What happened
On July 31, 2010, an aircraft was conducting a training mission intended to prepare for the upcoming 'Thunder Air Show' at Elmendorf-Richardson AFB. During the flight, the pilot-in-command executed an initial left-hand turn followed by a sharp right-hand maneuver. Following these maneuvers, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent. The aircraft subsequently crashed into a heavily wooded area situated approximately 3 km northwest of the airbase, resulting in a large explosion.
Findings
- The impact of the crash and the resulting post-crash fire caused the total destruction of the aircraft.
- There were four fatalities among the crew members on board.
- The accident occurred during the maneuvering phase of the flight following takeoff from runway 06.