JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- Pacific Air Forces released the results of its investigation into an aircraft mishap where a U.S. Air Force Airman died in Alaska, March 15, 2024.
During aircraft maintenance, Staff Sgt. Charles Crumlett, 90th Fighter Generation Squadron, was fatally injured by the retractation of a Configurable Rail Launcher (CRL) on an F-22A. The mishap occurred while the maintenance team performed an adjustment to restraint fittings on the aircraft’s right CRL.
The AIB determined that several human factors contributed to the mishap including the team leader not following prescribed maintenance procedures for service of the CRL; and failure to maintain supervisory direction and awareness.
Additionally, the AIB determined three factors substantially contributed to the mishap: an incorrect belief on the scope of function of the side weapons bay door safe switch; an infrequency of the job performed; and performance of multiple jobs simultaneously.
In accordance with AFI 51-307, Aerospace and Ground Accident Investigations, this Aircraft Accident Investigation Board conducted a legal investigation to inquire into all the facts and circumstances surrounding this Air Force ground accident, prepared a publicly releasable report, and obtained and preserved all available evidence for use in litigation, claims, disciplinary action, and adverse administrative action.
A copy of the full report may be viewed at www.afjag.af.mil/AIB-Reports/.