MC-12W Crash in Afghanistan (09-0676)

Incident Overview and Casualties On 27 April 2013, an MC-12W with tail number 09-0676 impacted terrain in Afghanistan. The crash occurred at approximately 1243 local time, 110 nautical miles northeast of Kandahar Airfield (KAF). The aircraft was conducting a combat intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) mission. Four crew members were on board: the Mishap Mission Commander, Mishap Pilot, Mishap Sensor Operator, and Mishap Tactical Systems Operator. All four airmen were killed instantly on impact. The aircraft, valued at $19.8 million, was destroyed. The crew and aircraft were assigned to the 361st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, 451st Air Expeditionary Wing, based at KAF, Afghanistan. ## Operational Context and Sequence of Events The aircraft, operating under the callsign Independence 08, departed KAF at 1157 local time and entered orbit at 1229 local time. While in orbit, the aircraft encountered deteriorating weather. At 1241 local time, the aircraft was climbing from 20,000 to 23,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) to fly above the weather when the mishap occurred. Additionally, the crew had identified an enemy combatant and was adjusting their orbit to enhance mission success. ## Official Findings and Contributing Factors The accident investigation was conducted by USAF Brigadier General Donald J. Bacon. The board concluded by clear and convincing evidence that the cause of the mishap was a stall due to insufficient airspeed while in a climbing left turn. This developed into a left spin, followed quickly by a high-speed spiral, from which the crew was unable to recover. The board also found, by a preponderance of evidence, that three factors substantially contributed to the mishap: orbit weather that impeded visibility and masked the horizon; pilot inexperience in the MC-12W; and known MC-12W program risks associated with sustaining required combat capability in theater.