commander directed report of investigation prepared...

COMMANDER DIRECTED

REPORT OF INVESTIGATION

PREPARED BY

(b)(6)

INVESTIGATING OFFICER

CONCERNING

USAFADS SONIC BOOM OVER

TUCSON, ARIZONA ON 13 APRIL 2012

11 MAY 2012

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

COMMANDER DIRECTED INVESTIGATION (CDI) TABS

CDI Tab A: Appointment and Tasking Letters

CDI Tab B: Authority and Scope

CDI Tab C: Background

CDI Tab D: Findings, Analysis and Conclusion

CDI Tab E: Recommendations

CDI Tab F: Testimony

CDI Tab G: Evidence

CDI Tab H: Technical Reviews

CDI Tab I: Legal Review

CDI Tab J: Appointing Authority Approval and Actions

CDI Tab K: Administrative Documents

CDI Tab M: Conclusion

TAB A

APPOINTMENT AND TASKING LETTERS

Contents

TAB A A-1

Al. CD! 10 Appointment Letter A-2

A3. CD1 Extension Approval Letter A-3

F9R-6ff#C-Mt-U3ti9fer

A-1

4. Prior to beginning your investigation, consult with legal advisor for purposes of this CDT. He may he reached at (b)(6)

(b)(6) your designated

t)Et•Alz rNwN I 01"I I t I It FOR( t St AI FS AIR I tIltc`I 1 ■ ARV %RI r it

NFI IS AIR fOlt( .NIt)

26 Apr 12

MEMORANDUM FOR (b)(6)

FROM: USAFWCA..7C

SUBJECT: Commander-Directed Investigation (CDI) of Sonic Boom

1. You are appointed to conduct a CD! into all aspects of the facts and circumstances surrounding a sonic boom that occurred while the IJnited States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron (Thunderbirds) was practicing on13 Apr 12 over a populated area of Tucson, Arizona. Until completion of this duty and submission ()fan acceptable report this is your primary duty (no leave, temporary duty, or other duties), unless expressly discussed and permitted by me.

2. You are authorized to interview personnel, take sworn statements or testimony and examine and copy any and all relevant Air Force records, files, and correspondence germane to this investigation.

3. In conducting the CDI, follow the guidance in thet'ormminder-Direeted hwe.sligurion Guide.

Prepare and submit to me a report of investigation in the format it describes. Submit the report to me by C013 1 1 May 12, unless I grant a written extension.

5. You may not release any intbnnation related to this investigation without my prior approval. This letter and the attached documents are marked FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY and contain information that must he protected under the Privacy Act.

CW\ , s.v.&A". JAMES W. I IYATT Major General. USAF Commander

Attachment: Commander-Directed Investigation Guide

F9R-191#104L-141C-8fter

A - 2

(b)(6)

Fnmit Sent To: Cc:

Subject

Approved

Jarros W MajGon USAF ACC USAFWC/CC Thursday, May 03, 2012 ti:39 PM

kh)(0 fleck, Dav:a J BriaGen USAF ACC USAFWC/CV; USAFWC/JA RL: Sonto Boom GUI Request

(b)(6)

major General 8111 Myatt, USAF Commander USAF Warfare Center (0) 702-652-2201 (OSN) 682-2201 kb)(6)

Original Mes5age - From: RIDX6)

Sent: Ihursday, May 03, 2012 04:13 PM Pacific Standard Time

To; Hyatt, 10Ite:, W MajGen USAF ACC USAFWC/CC Cc: Ruck, David 1 BrigGen USAF ACC usAruc/cv; Subject .: Sonic Boom COI Request

General iIyatt„

The ID in the lbunderoirds sort( boom 01,0)(6) I is recuesting an extension to the 11 May 12 report deanlIne specified in hiq appointment letter. Becaose the Thunderbirds were

travelling this week he did not have am cpportunity to conduct effective interviews. re would Uwe until 18 May 12 to turn in his final report. General BUCK supports the request.

You may grant the recuest by responding to tnis message and it Will be included in too f: le as documentation.

V/P,

(b)(6)

1/S (b)(6)

USAF Warfare Code, ,

(b)(6)

(4‘149(44614L-14144441-1‘

(b)(6)

A-3

TAB B

AUTHORITY AND SCOPE

Contents

TAB B B-1

131. Authority and Scope B-2

B2. Allegations B-2

B3. Investigation Plan B-2

Bl. Authority and Scope. Commanders have the inherent authority to conduct a Commander's Directed Investigation (CDI) to investigate matters under their command, unless preempted by higher authority. Pursuant to this authority, Major General James W. Hyatt, United States Air Force Warfare Center Commander, appointed (b)(6) as the Investigating Officer (10) on 26 April 2012, to conduct the Investigation into "all aspects of the facts and circumstances concerning the 13 April 2012 sonic boom that occurred while the United States Air Force Demonstration Squadron (Thunderbirds) were practicing over a populated area of Tucson, Arizona." The CD1 was conducted from 26 April to 11 May, 2012, at Nellis AFB, NV.

B1.1. No pre-investigative allegations were provided to the 10 at the beginning of the investigation.

B1.2. The investigation was conducted IAW AF1 51-604, AFI 38-101, and the SAF/1GQ CDI Guide dated 22 Apr 2010.

B2. Allegation(s). No formal allegations. The purpose of the investigation was to investigate all aspects of the facts and circumstances concerning the 13 April 2012, USAFADS sonic boom over Tucson, Arizona.

B2.1. Lacking predetermined allegations; this CDI was conducted, per the stated purpose contained within the SAF/IGQ CDI guide, to investigate the possibility of problems or concerns with 1) systemic or procedural processes, if any, and 2) individual conduct or responsibility, if any.

B3. Investigation Plan. To investigate the possibility of any problems with individual conduct/responsibility or procedural processes, the 10 conducted interviews, reviewed tapes, inspected training records, and analyzed the operating procedures for the USAFADS.

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B-2

TAB C

BACKGROUND

Contents

TAB C C-1

Cl. Background C-2

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C - 1

Cl. Background. This investigation involved determining the facts, circumstances, and cause of a sonic boom that occurred on 13 April 2012 at 21:23Z, over a populated area of Tucson, AZ, approximately four miles north of Davis-Monthan AFB. The sonic boom was generated by j(b)(6) who was performing duties as (b)(6) during an airshow practice. The aircraft was in a descending, slightly nose low left turn at 6600' above ground level (AGL) when it exceeded Mach 1 for approximately nine seconds. (Tab G-1) (b)(6) was rejoining with (b) after

I aN

the Bomb Burst hit and prior to the Reflection Pass. The 10 was not presented with any allegations from the appointing authority to investigate.

Cl.!. The sonic boom resulted in personal property damage in the vicinity of the incident. The Tort Claims spreadsheet is included in Tab G.

(b)(6)

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C - 2

TAB D

FINDINGS, ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSIONS

Table of Contents

Dl. Introduction D-2

D2. Pilot Error D-2

D2.1. Finding D-2

D2.2. Facts ,D-2

D2.3. Applicable Rules D-2 and D-3

D2.4. Analysis D-3

D2.5. Contributing Factors D-3 and D-4

D2.6. Conclusion D-4

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D - 1

Dl. Introduction. The investigative plan of the CDT was to confirm or deny the existence of any pilot error, aircraft anomaly, or compounding circumstances that may have caused or contributed to the sonic boom incident, while identifying any contributing systemic or procedural problems along the way.

D1.1. In the process of conducting this investigation, the 10 discovered one primary finding that was directly related to the 13 April 2012 mishap.

D1.1.1. Pilot Error: The pilot became task saturated during the rejoin witlfLj and failed to adequately crosscheck airspeed/Mach number and reduce power.

D2. Pilot Error.

D2.1. Finding. On 13 April 2012, (b)(6) pilot became task saturated during the rejoin with (b and failed to adequately crosscheck airspeed/Mach number and reduce power accordingly.

D2.2. Facts. On 13 April, the Thunderbirds were racticin at Davis Monthan AFB for the airshow on the approaching weekend. (Tab F-5) (b)(6) was performing as (b)(6)

opposing solo. (Tab F-3) 31 minutes into the practice, at 21:22:18Z, (b) executes a High faN

Bomb Burst Hit, which consists of a low pass across the airfield followed by a climb into the vertical, passing through the smoke of the four ship diamond bomb burst, then performing a series of aileron rolls up to approximately 14,000' AGL. (Tab F-5) At the top of the maneuver (21:22:43Z) terminates the ailerons rolls with his lift vector inadvertently away from the aft show line and pulls the nose back down to the horizon, with approximately 250 knots indicated

to gain the visual and at 21:23:24Z, he directs T to turn on smoke to help gain the visual. (Tab F-

airspeed (KIAS). (Tab F-5, Tab G-1) His follow-on maneuver is to rejoin with (b) who is currently arcing northeast behind the aft show line, for the Reflection Pass. (Tab F-5) Because (b)

challenging look-down visual environment and i not being in the Link 16 network, (b) is unable resets his Bingo Fuel bug and begins to try and attain the visual on ''') I (Tab F-3) Due to a is now pointed away from (b) he executes a slightly nose low, left lErid turn in mil power. ((611

fr,

r (b

— '6)

3, Tab F-5, Tab 0-1) At this time, (b) is at 377 KIAS and has descended slightly to 13,400' AGL. (b) turns on smoke, and three seconds later, (b calls "visual" on (Tab F-5, Tab 0-1) (b)

perceives he is in a tail chase on (b) due to the delay getting his aircraft turned around, and executes a 110 degree left slice at 30, trailing off to 1.80, to pull lead pursuit on (b)( (Tab 0-1) This drops the nose of the aircraft to 28 degrees nose low, and within 10 seconds of calling visual, his jet has accelerated from 377 KIAS to 510 KIAS (.94Mach). ( b) estimates that his power is

I aN

still up at or near military power. (Tab F-5) At 21:23:43Z, his nose has gradually climbed back up to 23 degrees nose low and the aircraft has accelerated to Mach 1.0, 577 KIAS. (Tab 0-1) The aircraft continues to accelerate to 1.02 Mach and 609 KIAS, until 13), recognizes his excess airspeed at 21:23:52Z, and reduces ower, decelerating below Mach 1.0. (Tab F-3, Tab G-1) There is an audible "oh crap" in intercom at the time he recognizes his mistake. (Tab 0-1) When the aircraft decelerates below Mach 1.0, it is at 3600' AGL, 10 degrees nose low and heading 300 degrees, four miles north of Davis-Monthan AFB. (Tab G-1)

D2.3. Applicable Rules

D2.3.1. ACCI-11USAFADSv3. ACCI-11USAFADSv3 is the operational procedures for the Thunderbirds. It states in paragraph 6.9 that "The maximum speed during any aerial demonstration is .94M. Under certain conditions, parts of the F-16 begin to exceed LOM when the aircraft Mach indicator reads .95M."

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(b) (6

D- 2

D2.3.2. AFI11-202V3. AFIl 1-202v3, para. 1.1.1. states that "the Pilot in Command (PIC) is responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of the aircraft." The AFT further states in para 1.2 and 1.2.1 that "The PIC will ensure compliance with this AFI and the following: MAJCOM guidance and MDS-specific instructions, manuals and supplements."

D2.4. Analysis. Analysis of the facts and evidence indicate that there were several contributing

factors which made the rejoin difficult. However, (b)(6) failed to maintain an adequate

crosscheck during the rejoin.

D2.4. (b)(6) (b) became task saturated during the rejoin with and did not

adequately crosscheck his airspeed/Mach number. He began the sliceback maneuver

at .75M, and held the nose at or below 20 degrees nose low for 18 seconds with the

throttle at or near military power. Due to the acceleration rates of a clean F-16, high

power settings combined with nose low attitudes in excess of 10 degrees require frequent

crosschecking of airspeed/Mach number to remain subsonic.

D2.5. Contributing Factors (CF)

D2.5.1. CF1: A break in habit patterns: Typically,1 ill roll out from the Bomb Burst Hit in the direction of the aft show line. This put Iin lead and well above The typical ensuing rejoin is nose low and moderately loaded with G forces, which helps scrub off or maintain speed. In addition, the steep rejoin cues the pilot to reduce his power setting. In this instance, (b) rolled out away from the aft show line following the

fr,

Bomb Burst Hit, requiring a 180 degree mil power turn. This put 1:), further out in front

I I of („.13), resulting, in a slightly shallower and relatively: unloaded pursuit curve. In addition, l(b4erceived that he was in a tail chase relative to The shallower pursuit curve and tail chase picture did not produce cues to alert Mto reduce the power.

D2.5.2. CF2: Challenging visual conditions. While there were no significant obscurations to visibility, Tucson is a congested, urban area, which makes finding another aircraft in a look-down environment challenging due to the lack of consistent contrast between the aircraft and the surface. This complicated attaining the visual on Often, when trying to maintain sight of the lead aircraft in challenging visual environments, wingmen will padlock onto the lead aircraft until at a closer range when regaining the visual is assured which may prevent frequent crosschecking of flight parameters.

D2.5.3. CF3: Scripted profile leads to a reduced focus on contingencies. The Thunderbirds' show is highly scripted. The aircrew repetitively practice the show profile until it becomes second nature. Since the show is so scripted, less time is spent focusing on contingencies, so they may not be at the forefront of the aircrew's consideration. Aircrew may not key in on potential issues when minor deviations from the norm occur, such as a flatter, tail-chase pursuit curve during the rejoin. According to #6's testimony, that rejoin doesn't usually result in a high Mach condition, so he didn't think to crosscheck his airspeed.

D2.5.1. CF4: Pressure to maintain show timing. The Thunderbird show relies heavily

on exact timing of all players to ensure proper sequencing of the diamond and solo

Pen-BffteM1-09E-efdtas"

(b) faN

(b) faN

D - 3

maneuvers, and to ensure there is near constant presence at show center. Although (b)(6

(b)(6) stated that he did not feel particularly pressured to expedite the rejoin, the delay caused by the roll out in the wrong direction compressed the timeline for the rejoin. In the IO's opinion, this pressure to stay on timeline may have caused (b to subconsciously

keep the power up to expedite the rejoin.

D2.6. Conclusion

D2.6.1. Several contributing factors combined to make the rejoin challenging, causing (b)(6)

to become task saturated and fail to crosscheck his airspeed/Mach number.

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D - 4

TAB E

RECOMMENDATIONS


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E - 1

TAB F

TESTIMONY

Contents

TAB F

F.1. Subject Testimony (b)(6)

F.2. Witness (b)(6)

F - 1

F.1. Witness Testimony (b)(6)

.] .Eni STATEMENT OF SUSPECTMITNESSICOMPLAINANT

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SNI7NESSr.:OMPLA NANT

PRIVACY ACT StATEMCNT

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F - 2


IV. STATEMENT

SUMMARIZED IliSTIMONY Q1) Was there anything notable thr the site survey on Thursday', Or the mission planning for Friday's mission? Al Q2) Describe the sequence of events leading up to the sonic: boom incident over Tucson on 13 April, 2012. A2) The maneuver was a rejoin with l(b)(6) lprior to the reflection pass and after the high bomb burst hit. In the pullup for the hit, 1 did not note the sun reference : so I rolled low airspeed to gct pointed towardp setting and was scorching for (b so I asked fOrri Tr) non on smoke to the timing delay from the 180 ..10 degrees nose low vs 60 degrees) setting was probably still in mil potter I was late to 'turd the power &Hog Mach. Going supersonic has 1114 vet Q3) Was there anything notable Q4) Who did you inform of the suspected imom. He did not. I notified ra Q5) What was the aircraft tail number anomalies Q6) How was the weather in the urban background was difficult q,?) Did the thunderbird Solo spintip, 4qualifica(iun Alisolute/y QS) Provide me with your 24 hour the gym that afternoon, and we went Q9) Any alcohol consumption that Q10) Anything notable regarding 011) During practice and the first maneuvers, but my profile rarely Q12) Is this looked at during the QI3) In your opinion, why did the make a slow speed 10 deg turn and a challenging look down environment, never been an issue or cause of concerti. Q14I How dots the maneuver and the horizon, and keep it in mil power I see line il.: sight ati on (b then Q15) Why do you think you were burst hit? A151 Somethina else caught critical so have a sun reference. Q16) Do you have to deal with spatial used to it. Q17) Do you have anything

out away from the show line COMIng 011t of the aileron rolls and had to do a I 80 degree turn at This required a military. (mil) power soting. During, the tont, I had to reset the bill 00 flit I

I. e was not in the Link 16 network. Visual conditions looking down over the city were difficult, to aid in reeaining the visual. Once I picked up the visual, I noticed that I sius or a Call zhase due

degree turn (non-typical). I his resulted in a much flatter rejoin angle than normal (approximately . and a relatively unleaded profile. I pulled lead to make the rejoin happen in time. My power

during rejoin. There was no concern about making teloin happen fast; we had plenty of time. the rejoin I lotiked at my airspeed in the HUD and was surmised to see 600 knots and 1.02

crossed toy mind, It is not usually an issue during my profile. during the pre-flight, ground sips, takeoff or landing? A3) No

sonic boom? A4) When I got our of the jet, I asked my crew chief if he heard a sonic when we were walking back in.

& did you write up any codes for engine or throttle anomalies? A5) Aircraft 92-908, no

vicinity of the airfield? A6) High density altitude (aruund .?-000K .), clear, look down against the

program adequatey prepare you to execute your profiles during the shows' , ATI

history prior to the incidcm, Alt) Wr did the site survey upon arrival at the airfield. I went to out to dinner the night

hightThow much sleep slid you get? A9) Maybe one drink; plenty of sleep that night. health, wellness, or mental state around the time of the incident? Al0) No six shows, bow often was saM exceeded? A11) Rarely, if ever. as a few higher speed

approaches .94M, debrief? Al?) Yes.

incident occur? AI3 The root cause WaS,. 1 Ctekrtil to wrung side. of the line, which forced :11C to at altitude hack toward This, in combination with difficulty gaining the visual due to no 1.ink 16

caused use to inadvertently leave the power up. Also, excessive Mach & airspeed had so I was late to look at it.

rejoin typically go? Al 4) 1 will recover inn mil power toward she oti show line, get the nose. Sc' omit about '300 .K." LAS, 'Then I'll execute an aggressive sliceback with the power Stood up until

idle, at approximately 60 degrees nose low. you unable to set the sun reference relative to the aft show line prior to pulling op fOr the bomb

my attention, possibly timing. It wits a zhallen8ing day due to the winds. However, in is irol For example, when we execute the show under an MCP:7114, 1 don't have a Von cf roence

disorientation during the aileron rolls in the climb? A161 At first, I did, but not an>.inore: Urn clsc you'd like to add'? A17) No.

V, OATH/SIGNATURE

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indlItenPint. t tOrritter ,!Or O&M) I hare read tiue statement, initiated mit perm and corrections, and It Is Ova ard correct to til • best of rny arra...ledge -

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F - 3


SUSPECT STATEMENT OF SUSPECT/WITNESS/COMPLAINANT

ITNEES1COMPLAINAN

PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT

AUTHORITY: 10 U.S.C. 8013; 44 U.S.C. 3101: and E0 9397 PRINCiPAL PURPOSES Used to motet; habrtnation and details of criminal saivity whiCh may require investigative action by commanders. supervisors. security poiice, AFOSI spec;a1 agents, eta: and to provide information to appropriate individuals within 0°0 organizations win> enSure Propel lege, and administrative action is taken.

ROLITWV.E. USE'S infOrinahOn may be disclosed to local, county, state, and federal law enforcomentiinvestigative authonties for investigation and possnlie ' criminal prosecution or Civil court action information extracted from this form may be used in other related criminal and'or civil proceedings. DISCLOSURE IS VOLUNTARY SSN is used to positively identify the individual making the statement.

I, STATEMENT INFORMATION

DAIS NYYYMMOD)

20120508

TIME 1LOCATION AND INSTALLATION (bldg/Room No)

1Bldg 98/CC office 0740 I Nellis AFB, NV

UNIT TAKING STATEMENT

CD140

REPEAT fir known)

: OFFENSE

ZOMPLAINT

IL PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION (Print or 'We) NAME (Lest, First. Middle !IWO .; , SN STA.TUS:GRADE

(b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6 1

LOCAL ADORES inChnIM z,p COCNN i DATE AND PLACE on BIRTH or meth edt 4445 Tyndall Ave Nellis APB, NV 89191 IN/A

TELEPHONE

HOME DUTY

(b)(6) I PERMANENT ADORESS OR HOME OF RECORD (Include Zip COO N/A

MILITARY ORGANIZATION/EMPLOYER

LlSAFADS 1N/1.

38905

SPONSOR IN OR ATION

NAME Nast Fast afiddko f a (GRAD

N/A

$511 ORGANIZATION I DOTY PHONE

i I

III. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF OFFENSES AND 5Th AMENDMENT/ARTICLE 31 RIGHTS ADVISEMENT fSdspeof On/y)

I have been advised that I am suspected of the folio no offenses:

ADVISED BY (Fun Name and Renkj i INDIVIDUAL IDENT! -FIED HINTSELF,HERSELF AS A SP, spin" apenl etc.)

1 SUSPECT

INITIALS and advised me Mar I have Me following rights according to the eth Amendment of the M.S. Constitution/Article 31 he Uniform

Code of Military Justice,

I have the nght to remain silent - tnat is 10 585 netting at an.

Any statement I make. orai Or written, may be used as evidence against me In a trial or in other j al, nonr)udicial or administrative

proceedings.

I have the right to OQirsuit Isis sawyEr .

I have the right to hans a lawyer pr ent during 0 is inter ie y

I may obtain a orvilen lawyer of my awn stoics at no expense to the government,

i may request a lawyer any time during this intervi

II I decide to answer questions with or without a lawyer present. • may p the questioning et any !fire.

MILITARY ONLY: Ill Want a Milita,y lawyer one wi de Cpp. ed for me free of charge.

CIVILIANS ONLY: II I cannot afford a lawyer and want o. .awye, will do appObled for me by civilian thonties.

.. . . .. .. . ..

SUSPECT INITIALS

S itar. reed my rights es listed above end) lot rid aaaaa nd my rights. No promises, threats, or mducemente of any kind have been made to

me. No pressure or coercion has lpren u Ramat .nto I malts the following choloo (initial 0

I do not want a lawyer. I am wliti o answer quesbona or make a statement or hon. about lit, cflense(s) under •vestigalion

i do not w•nt a lawyer anal 01 CiSC to wak. a *WO ant Or animar any questons - •

i I

wants lawyer. t cdl n • •k• any statement or answer any questions unlit I ea to a lawyer.

(fully underst my rights and that my signature does not constitute an admission of guilt.

SIGNATURE OF SUSI. SIGNATURE OF WITNESS/INTERVIEWER (b)(6)

I AF IMT 1168, 19980401, V2

PREVIOUS EO,TiONS ARE OBSOLETE.

PAGE I OF 2 PAGES

MitlYPrieffiThIL6efittal-

F- 4


IV. STATEMENT

SUMMARIZED TESTIMONY: Q1) Describe the sequence of events leading up to the sonic boom incident on 13 April, 2012. Al) We conducted our site survey of Davis Morahan (DM) AFB on Thursday, 12 April when we arrived at the airfield. Our practice mission was on Friday, 13 April. Nothing notable for mission planning or ground operations,

2 Describe the incident. A2) During the last 5 minutes of the show, the diamond executed a high bomb burst. (b)(6) executed a "high bomb burst hit .", which

executing continuous aileron rolls, up to follow on reflection pass. 56 rolled out relative to roll out heading. This necessitated with 55. Wlexecuted a level 180 turn in AGL. During the turn, the bingo fuel bug is slightly behind the aft show line delaying the airfield at lower altitude. asks form a 20-25 degrees nose low rejoin. I estimate recognizes it and pulls the power back, Q3) Anything notable during landing or the Q4) When were you notified of the incident? Q5) What was the aircraft tail number & Q6) What was the weather like around the

15,000' 180 degrees

a toil power

asserts, the

that

A4) did ri

airfield?

involves

to turn

remainder

flying up the middle of the bomb burst after elay, through the smoke, while above ground level (AGL). After the maneuver, ILlis to rejoin with Wifor a

out from desired rejoin heading due to not establishing the sun location level 180 degree turn in military (mil) power back' t• -• i the aft show line to rejoin

at up's' oximately 250 knots while looking forl(b who is down around 1000' requiring a brief heads down time to reset it. 43 is not in the Link 16 network and

visual 6)4 (b I Also, the visibility was slightly reduced due to smog in the vicinity of on smoke to facilitate the visual. ra then picks up the visual on p and begins

his power is still up near mil. He exceeds the Mach for approx 8 seconds,

of the mission? A3) No, Once on the ground, during debrief

write up any codes for engine or throttle anomalies? A5) aircraft 92-908; no. A6) Some smog at lower altitudes, with visibility slightly less than I ONM.

Q7) Describe l(h)(81 I performance through his F1transition, and the Thunderbird Solo upgrade program. A7) I attended the F-I6 Replacement Training Unit (RTU) with His perform ' was above average. His performance during the 85 ride Thunderbird Solo checkout program was also above average. (b)(6) performance during the first six shows of the season were well above average. Q8) Describe the 24 hour period before the incident. AS) We arrived at DM on Thursday, and executed the she survey. We went to dinner that night, got up the next morning to visit sonic school, then briefed for the mission around noon. Nothing notable. Q9) Was there anything notable about I (b)(6) Iliealth, wellness, or mental state around the time of the incident? A9) No. QI 0) Were there any trends in1(1-0(R) I performance during practice or the shows? A10) No. QI I) flow often is .94M exceeded during practice/shows? Al l) Approximately once every couple of shows. Q12) How do you debrief to deviations above .94M? Al?) We discuss how timing could be tighter. Timing other formation members having to push it up or slow down to compensate. Q13)Why do you think the deviation occurred? A13) Timing was stretched due to rolling out away from maneuver. This put pressure on to get the rejoin going to minimize further timing deviations. In addition,' pattern of leveling out over the top and shortly afterward, initiating a descent with reduced power was broken execute a level mil power turn back towardlTni Vi'hen he had trouble gaining the visual, hp became task saturated reducing the power. His task prioritization was correct (i.e. deconflicting from I (b I but his execution of the not timely enough. Q14) In your opinion, did any of (1-1—TI actions negatively impactl(h ■ I performance during the rejoin? A14)

deviations can result in

( at the top of the (b) I normal habit when he had to

and was hue power reduction was

No. QI5) Is there anything else you would like to add? A15) I have complete confidence ird(h)(81 I

V. OATH/SIGNATURE

"I hereby VO7Untirtly and of my own Tree will matte this statement without having been subjected to any coercion, unlawful influenve, or unlawful Inducement, I swear (or affirm) I have read this statement. Initiated all pages and COft11101005, and it !. dye and correct to We best of my Imowledge .

SIGNATURE OF PERSON MAK3NG STATEMENT i SIGNATURE OF WITNESS/INTERVIEWER

(b)(6) ,

Subscribed and sworn to beicre me, a person authorized by law to administer oaths, this 10th day

of May . 2012 (year).

SIGNATUR OF PFRSON ADMINISTFRING OATH

(b)(6) [

VI. INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONTINUATION PAGEIS)

Use plain bond paper (both sides °phone!). At the top light of each page. print or type "(Lest name of individual making the Statement) on (Date)" Al the bOttem at

ach page, printer type. 'Page of Pages " The indicklusl must imbed the top and bottom entries and Sign his/her name at time buttoni Of each page

AF IMT 1188, 19980401, V2

(REVERSE)

A

FalimagarahAiguaazy-

F - 5

TAB G

EVIDENCE

Table of Contents

G1. DVD with Thunderbird 6 HUD video from 13 April G-2

G2. Weather printout from DM on 13 April G-3

FEAR-tier-r-K-Mi—W&E-efik-16

G-1

G.1. DVD with Thunderbird 6 HUD video from 13 April 2012

G - 2

G.2. Weather printout from DM for 13 April 2012

Data from 2012/04/13

\-_

1ff METAR KOMA 1323552 AUTO 22013620 105M CLR 25/M14 A2976 RMK A02 SLP053 T02451137 10245 20207 56019 $= METAR KOMA 1322552 AUTO 32007616KT 10SM CLR 24/M14 A2978 RMK A02 51_1)059 T02401137 $= METAR KOMA 1321552 AUTO 31011020KT 10511 CLR 24/MI2 A2980 RMK A02 5LP062 102391121 $-

2

F9R-191-NEtAt-itee0firr

G - 3

TAB H

TECHNICAL REVIEWS

Table of Contents

H1. Technical Reviews H-1

H1.1. Sonic Boom Plot H-2

H.1.2. Letter from NASA Engineer H-3 and H-4

H.1.3. Tort Claims Spreadsheet H-5

FOR-0414644441.114411414

H-1

.14

3.

freff•OPPILtpu. vat unicr

H.1.1. Sonic Boom Plot. This plot is informational and shows the sonic boom footprint as estimated

by NASA.

f8fike1f1ehreell9MMT•

ataliha

H-2

H.1.2. Letter from NASA engineer. This letter is informational and describes the projected

overpressure based on the Mach number.

Here are the interim solutions for the Thunderbird sonic boom impact area for 04/13/2012 over Tucson based on the

data that I have to date. These were generated using PCBoom6.6.6a.

-Assumptions No balloon data was available during the flight time. NASA Dryden's meteorologist Ed Teets worked on getting

weather data for this analysis. NASA Goddard atmospheric assimilation model data using satellite retrieved profiles and reanalyzed model initialization was used. The temperatures you provided were deemed too warm at high altitudes. I used the weather information in file

TAZ21Z.att. This file contains altitudes in thousands of feet, along with temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit, wind

speed to the east (called WINDX), and wind speed to the north (called WINDY). The second line of the tile is the

pressure in psf at 2464 ft MSL altitude.

The initial information of a constant dive angle of 30 degrees was not supported by the HUD video. The reduction

in dive angle results in lower computed pressures on the ground and a larger footprint region.

I looked at the HUD video frame by frame. When the digital time changed to a new second I recorded time, KCAS,

Mach, altitude, radar altitude, heading, and pitch angle. I also noted the location of the velocity vector on the ground

image, and used GoogleEarth to find that latitude/longitude/elevation by matching the ground imagery. Starting at

that ground altitude and going up at the negative of the pitch angle and the reciprocal of the aircraft heading until reaching the radar altitude shown by the HUD video gave the aircraft position. The locus of these points were close

to the given ground track, and also gave a reasonable arcing trajectory as shown in the HUD video. Once I had a

starting location, I used the true airspeed, heading, and flight path angle to project forward to the next second where

a new speed, heading, and flight path angle were used.

Pneumatic airdata systems typically have accuracy problems near Mach I and also with pneumatic lag. Looking at

the HUD video altitude (which is assumed to be mostly derived from airdata) and the radar altitude plus ground elevation gives nearly the same altitude at the beginning and end of the video, but has excursions of up to 900 ft

difference during the supersonic portion and also during the rapid decrease in speed after the pilot realized he was

too fast. A plot is attached. A static pressure error giving 900 ft of altitude error is equivalent to about 0.03 Mach

error at these flight conditions. Therefore I performed four cases:

TH4 - using the Mach number as given in the HUD video as the truth. TH5 - TH4 with the Mach number increased by 0.01, nothing else in the trajectory was modified. TH6 - TH4 with the Mach number increased by 0.02, nothing else in the trajectory was modified. TH7 - TH4 with the Mach number increased by 0.03, nothing else in the trajectory was modified.

If a more refined airdata calibration was available a more accurate sonic boom footprint could be generated, but

these four cases should bound the possible sonic boom impact areas.

The output is given in the attached .km1 files which you should be able to view in GoogleEarth. The aircraft trajectory and ground track are shown, as well as the sonic boom footprint isopemps (hyperbolic or elliptic gray

lines that are the locus of booms that originate at the same time on the aircraft), and colored pressure contours of

various overpressures.

Normally well installed new window glass should not break until an overpressure of about 25 psf is experienced.

Older glass that may be subject to stresses from the settling structure with building age may break at lower pressures. Windows that are near the ground experience a doubling effect of the boom. Windows near where two

walls meet at an inside corner and the ground will experience four times the effect of the boom. The overpressures

given are for flat open ground without the times two or four effects of walls. I did not take into account terrain for

the boom footprint calculation as the ground was relatively flat and I didn't have the DTED data for this region

handy.

501LarbraCk41.41frEtilaiki‘

H-3

For the various cases we have the following:

Case Max. Overpressure Calculated, psf TH4 22 TH5 27 TH6 35 TH7 120

With increasing the aircraft Mach number the footprint becomes wider and starts further to the southeast. In all the footprints the highest overpressures occur on the leading edge of the footprint. If you were to run PCBoom with these cases you could interrogate specific locations for the time and overpressure time history of the booms.

I don't yet have the coordinates for the damage, but it appears from the plots given in Claims.PPTX the furthest north and west claims are well outside the probable sonic boom footprint area. Most of the others quite possibly experienced loud booms. The orientation of the window relative to the raypath of the shockwave, as well as its proximity to other reflecting surfaces can influence the susceptibility to boom damage.

I hope this information is useful to you. It was a interesting computational challenge on our part reconstructing the data without the full instrumentation suite we typically have for research flights. We are continuing researching sonic boom effects and also ways of reducing sonic booms to allow future civilian supersonic transportation that is acceptable to the public.

One item that may be of interest to your group is our work towards a sonic boom cockpit display. We hope to generate images much like these GoogleEarth plots and generate them realtime in the cockpit for the pilot. This will be an integral component of any civilian supersonic aircraft.

If the information is available, we could make good use of data such as locations of damage, the direction the window is facing, the size of the building, if the glass shards blew in or out of the building, etc. We have an active group investigating the effects of sonic booms on buildings, both homes and businesses.

Sincerely,

(b)(6)

(b)(6)

NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Research and Engineering Directorate Aerodynamics and Propulsion Branch, Code RA Voice: (b)(6)

Cell: FAX: Email:

rem-erprebtreet-efeY-

H-4

H.1.3. Tort Claims Spreadsheet. Current Tort Claims provided by USAFWC/JA.

Tort Claims (Anti-MCA/AVIATION Rasults

Noon° er4s! FY Ciro CIAIra Nbr FIP4 alanni4

0646 01 11009r11

0600 01 De61110

Amount 174roonclol

Dan 8011E4

Amount So 4164

DAVISAC‘fFHAN AFO, 12 19 023 AVIATION (b)(6) :3 Apr 12 19 Apr 12 $420A4 DAVIS-MON1HANAF13, 12 moca AVIATION '-349,12 19-4,-12

DAv15-1410101-IAN Al'ra• 12 10025 VAATION • 3-6pr12 19,Apr 12 0%125.00 DAVIS-MCSITHAN AFB, 12 109117 AVIATION • 5-Apr-12 194.pr-12 570647 LIAVIIS-rolc/911-14N )ra, 11 19923 AVIATION 34.17-12 19-A1x-12 5126.91 DAVIS-NONTHAN 0.A3, 12 10020 AMATIOW 340,12 19-Apr-12 £0, 217 1AVIP.131111-14N AFEL 12 10430 AVrATION • 5-40-12 194pr-12 5821.11 DAVIS.A104111-1AN AFO, 12 10931 ANAATION 5411--12 19441.-12 5191.17 DAVID-IVICTIMAN AFB, 12 10402 AMIAT101.4 • a-Av :12 1040-12 55 ,4 DAVISAICTITHAN ARS, 12 10093 Awinou 15-Apr-12 19-Apr-12 35290 DAVIS-M2t(11-1AM AM. 12 10014 AVIATION 13.44-12 19.11pr.12 9,25930 DAVI4-4609111-1AN APB. 12 10045 AVIATION 13-44r-12 lOApI-lI 446 w 1-4•WIR-4.104171-1AN AF. 17 11,0141 AMAT14101 l3,Apr.-12 19-Apr1 2 6'17 143 13.4V12-1.10141144.11 M-12. 12 1coucs7 AwrioN 13-Aflr-12 19-040912 3574.23 LvAnsaauN I HAN P1-11. 12 14.113319 JWIAILUN 12-4pr-12 11.1-2pr-1

1041.V.1NM4Ir APB. 12 low, Amanow 11-Apr..12 12-.441,12 1s71.23 DAVIS4NOW:1AM AFB. 12 19940 AVIATION 13-4r-12 I8-Mr-12 030.72 Ravia-moKrclAri AFB. 12 10911 AVIATION 13-Apr-12 19-1.0912 3675.55 17.2.14113.4.10N1HAN APE, 12 10042 AL/1411014 13-.4f.,12 10.1,-17 01.59900 DAVI5-rdoNniAm APO, 12 10443 AVIATION 13-111f-12 1240912 381.71 DAVIS 0.1014T4AI4 AFEI, 12 10164 AVIAllON 13-Apr-12 i.(1,4pr-12 $244 08 DAVi3-AT3rairlAr. AP15, 12 ta laa AviATioN 13 A43,12 20-Apr-12 5499.13 DAV1104,60WHAN AFis, 12 10nri2 AVATION 13-411r-1.7 XI-A1e-17 sT or) to DAVIS-AIM/THAN ARS, 12 10148 AVIATION 15-AFr.12 20402 0125/5 [AVIS-AK-WHAM AF6. 12 1067 Aviknom 1:3-Ape 12 41-Apr.12 624.1O nAvis-Arixn-iAN AFF.k. 12 1068 AVIATION 13116, 12 20..la 96660 DAVIS-WONTHAN ARS, 12 10169 AVIATION 73-Aps 12 20-4F4 12 6157:16 DAVI0,AK14114AN Arra, 12 1 0 - 72 AVIATION 5-Apr-12 al-4.912 13402,63 DAVIE 151101,111-1AN A1% 12 10'74 A14A110h1 134pr-12 20-1,rrr12 34330 DAVISACefrl-IAN Ara, 12 101-:s AVtArt041 ..s-aa1-12 2040912 527124 DAVIS-MAID-IAN AM, 12 10178 AVIATION 13-Apr-1 2 2040I-12 $655.70 DAVIS-mONIHAra Au-es, 12 10177 AviAnom 13.11Fr. 12 20-1144 1.12 541.1.75 DAVIS-MONTHAN AF.3, 12 10178 AVIATION 13414,-12 6I-Apr.17. 1460 (41 DAVIS-MCAITHAN AM, 12 10179 AVIATION 13-4r 12 20Apr..1 2 $627.72 0..,...1541Cr471-1AN AFR. 12 1020 x4A-noN 13-A0r-12 29-41/-11 3620.29 r1A11113-11.1L714r,10.14 AFR. 17 10141 AVIATIFIN 13-kA-12 20-Ajlrll 31015.53 DAVIStobtarlAk AFFL 12 Amu AVIATION 13-1101-12 20-1,0r-12 32:20.14 DAVISMONTHAN AFB, 12 19163 AVIATION 13.401-12 10-2pr.1 2 3215.111 DAVIS r..1014T14AA AF9, 12 19124 AVIATION 13 Apr 12 .30 Apr 12 *10E1.31 134415-MONTMAN APO, 12 '0524 AVIATION 13-Apr-12 25-April 3699L0

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CoArIS-MONITIANAM 1 It 111325 P.VtATIOR (b)(6) 11941.-12 211494,12 TOD .79

Doms-m3p0/1-44raA111, 12 103:28 AVIATION 17-opr-19 614144-12 545.113

DAVII9-443141146N AM. 12 1.10:7 AVAY11:41 1-414,12 2344412 SWAT

LOAtis-okoctOlitAfg, 12 1=0 06'11FF1VF4 11.41..42 23444-12 5.42.17

DAvig444111134424Ape. II 39110 411R4711:2•4 0.1/4.12 111440-12 5432.112

DAV1544/041411ANAF8, 12 MS AVATION l3-169r-12 10-441-12 567.14

D6V113-MaPaRASAFIL 12 8817 AN/ATKIN 11-4pr-12 11344p.12 12100.23

22.SSIST

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Apr Ai, ZOIZ 1Z:47 1-'41

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H- 5

l'Utf urriLtiu. UIVLY

TAB I

LEGAL REVIEW

Content.s

TAB 1 1-1

11. Legal Review 1-2

efi691-l4C-AL-669C-ONL-Y- •

I - 1

Legal Review.

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS AIR WARFARE CENTER (ACC)

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE NEVADA

23 May 12

MEMORANDUM FOR USAFWC/CC

FROM: USAFWC/JA

SUBJECT: Commander-Directed Investigation (CDI) of Thunderbirds Sonic Boom

(b)(5)

Testing - Tactics - Training

(b)(5)

TAB J

APPOINTING AUTHORITY APPROVAL AND ACTIONS

Contents

TAB J 1

.11. Appointing Authority Decision MFR 2

pno nrone I I 'cc flAfl v

J-1

t-LIK LIt-tILIAL U3t LIIVLY

11. Appointing Authority Decision MFR

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE WARFARE CENTER (ACC)

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, NEVADA

MAY 2 9 2012

(b)(6)

(JO) and the legal review prepared by USAFWC/JA regarding the Thunderbirds Sonic Boom over Tucson, Arizona. I concur with the findings oft he JO. The JO sufficiently demonstrated that the sonic boom was the direct result of (b)(6) pilot error as well as multiple factors (i.e., non-typical placement, urban backdrop, and highly-scripted routine) which contributed to this error.

2. Because the IO's findings are substantiated, I approve of the CDI's conclusions and recommendations.

Cc•r\ JAMES W. HYATT Major General, USAF Commander

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

FROM: USAFWC/CC

SUBJECT: Commander-Directed Investigation (CDI) of 26 April 2012 Thunderbirds Sonic Boom

1. I have reviewed the CDI prepared by investigating officer (b)(6)

Testing - Tactics - Training

TAB K

ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENTS

Contents

TAB K

K-1. CD1 Witness List

K-2. Privacy Act Statements

K2.1. Privacy Act Statement —

K2.2. Privacy Act Statement —

K-1

K-2

K-3

K-4

K-5

(b)(6)

(b)(6)

FeR-191406114L-146E-904-K

K-1

K-1. CD! Witness List. Two individuals were interviewed during this CDI. The subject, (b)(6)

(b)(6) and the Commander and flight lead of the Thunderbird Team, (b)(6)

(b)(6)

(b)(6)

run u!FkIAL UK ONLY

K-2

K2. Privacy Act Statements

K-3

K2.1. Privacy Act Statement — (b)(6)

Artadinnear

pnivAcv ACT NOTICE

.11TIVAC 1' ACT STATEMENT

Policy The Privacy Ad sit:demo is sequinsd to be read mil aubsoolocked by ails witsest at the &Timing ethe internew process.

'The ID is sesquired to Awe tad Worn mai Ate miscount asthiaDowasot k their Report of ImestIscrilost

Authority Thie ia Use/oda/nes Co* Sidi= 8013 ond 8020, and Ezenetsr Eirder 9397 Frieelpal Intbnnatioss is collected duds% au inguel or ineessigadon to aid in skirdaireing purpose Sam and chourostioses sunoursdingeir shegefiems. The informal:len it

assembled in swore format nod peesetned to th; Appoiraing maks* as a basis For WO or Air FORM decision-making,

The infonrution may be toed al evidence ink/die:id cradmilistratite proceedings or for other official putposos within the DoD. Disclosure of Social Stuffily /somber, it-requested,. is used to Anther Identify the inslivl providing the testimony-

R outine on Routine uses 'orbs&

• Rewarded to federal, state, or madly and local low enforcement agennice gar law enfocceaketo pm/poses.

• Used as a bards for summarics, be:brings, ar responses to members a Congress en other :vesicles in tbcF,:unitive &ands teethe Federal Orrvermarmt.

• Provided to Congress or other fedand and stale sgencies whoa deemmlned to neeMary.

Disclosurc or FOR MILITARY MSC/MEL: Disclosing your Social Security number is non-efseciostre voluntary_ Disci/saw other personal information sealing to your position

respoteriblitios is mantlseory and haat to dons may subject you ni disciplinary action_

Foit DErAlamorr ORME AIR FORCE aVILIANS: ndo9in yorir Social Seetnity . amber is whammy, Novenver, Isom to disclose other pcmcmal information in milnicsito your position nceponallifities may subject you to adverse personnel odium

FOR ALL OTIMER rimscfstirm Disobsing your Social Scanty timber

and odser roman infants/don is obndy advent action can bc taloott

you for redirsiTiens noovide ' about yourselt (b)(6)

,S7GV4IVIIIE

37

FeRwElf-NEWL—E*C—Oleiff-

K- 4

K2.1. Privacy Act Statement — (b)(6)

Attachment 4 PRIVACY ACT NOTICE

PRIVACTACTSrA TEMENT

Policy The Privacy .Act _datemer. 1 e required to be read and achzioseledmed by each seiosers ar the bAgtiusb3g tithe trierviric proeeek

Vie KY is required to have each witesessread gri.e Jiatspomi and dooms's, le or their Repori of inward isettfosi.

Authority Tide 10, Dan d Seta:easels, Sections 8013 and 8020, and Erse-Wive Order 93.97 Principal information is Collected during an inquiry or investigation to aid in deanntining

PurPose facts and circumstemom sterconcling the allegations. The intbrutation assembled in report Benoit and pearcntodto the Appointing authority as a basis for DoD or Air Fame deeision-malring.

'Mc infortrialion cosy be used as evideroe Mjndiels1 glr adolbistrxiive proceedinet at for other official purposes vi_thin rho DoD. Disclostue of Social Smutty number, if requested, is used to foil= Went* the individual providing thc tcathnony.

Routine uses Sped= urns include

s Forwarded to rodczna, mix, or military surd luksti l outorozuscut agencies far law enforusanent purposes.

a Used es st beats ibr summaries, briefings, or responses to members of Coogreat or other Jbacncito in the Executive Branch of the, Pack's] Gcrsternment.

• Provided to Congress or other rodeaal and state agencies whtta doicamioed to be necessary -

Disclosure or FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL: Disclosing your Social Security number is non-cEsclasuns voluntary . Disclosing other personal infonnation =Eating it/ your position'

responsibrities t rossodatory and failme to do so may subject yoor to disciplinary , action_

FOR DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE CIVILIANS: Disclosing your Social Security maubta. ii voluntary_ However, failure to disclose other personal information in relation to your positicrn responsibilities may subject you to adverse personnel action.

FOR ALL OXECER PERSONNEL: Diaelosikg your Social SlrOutilly nustbor nod other peasonal information is volimnuy. No adverse &dim eau be tarn against YOU for refining to provide Mimes:dim about yourselL

(b)(6)

SlaVATITYkE P

37

refreffttif*M09EONL*

K-5

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

TAB M

CONCLUSION

Contents

TAB M M-1

M-1. CONCLUSION M-2

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

M- 1

Ml. Conclusion. On 13 April, the Thunderbirds were practicing at Davis Monthan AFB for the airshow on the approaching weekend. 1(b)(6) I was performing as (b)(6) opposing solo. At 21:23:43Z, during a rejoin with his aircraft accelerated above Mach 1 in military power for approximately nine seconds. When the aircraft had decelerated back below Mach 1.0, it was at 3600' AGL, 10 degrees nose low and heading 300 degrees, four miles north of Davis Monthan AFB. (Tab G-1) Contributing factors of a break in habits patterns, challenging visual conditions, and a tightly scripted, time compressed profile all contributed to (b)(6) becoming task saturated during the rejoin and failing to crosscheck airspeed and reduce power.

reft-erptemt-tos&I9Ntaf-

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