Incident Overview
An aircraft operating a local training mission at Kenneth Ingalls Sawyer AFB experienced a catastrophic failure during takeoff. The aircraft, carrying seven pilot under training and one instructor, had just completed several touch-and-go maneuvers. As the crew attempted another takeoff, an explosion occurred in the rear of the aircraft, causing the tail section to detach.
Sequence of Events
Following the explosion and tail separation, the aircraft went out of control and crash landed on the runway. It slid for approximately 3,000 feet before coming to rest, broken into several pieces. Despite the severe damage, all eight crew members aboard were rescued.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident: a fuel pump overheated, causing an explosion in the aft fuel tank. This finding is based solely on the evidence examined by investigators.