Incident Overview
A military aircraft operating under Operation Desert Storm encountered electrical and engine difficulties in flight. Of the six crew members aboard, three were able to evacuate by parachute, while three others perished after ejecting too late. The crew consisted of Captain Kevin Kent (pilot), Captain Jeffrey Love (copilot), Sergeant Steven Ellard (gunner), Captain Jon Jeffrey Olson (radar navigator), First Lieutenant Jorge I. Arteaga (navigator), and First Lieutenant Eric D. Hedeen (electronic warfare officer). The latter two were among those who died.
Sequence of Events
The problems began during preflight with an electrical malfunction involving a main tank fuel gauge. Despite this initial issue, the crew decided to proceed with the flight. As additional malfunctions occurred, failures in crew coordination, crew management, and adherence to procedures compounded the situation. A cascade of errors stemming from minor initial mistakes in judgment and procedural execution followed. Ultimately, multiple engines ceased operating because of fuel starvation, even though over 30,000 pounds of fuel remained onboard.
Casualties and Outcome
Three crew members successfully bailed out, but three others were killed when their ejection occurred too late. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact.