Well Done Award

Flying Safety, July, 2004

The Aviation Well Done Award is presented for outstanding airmanship and professional performance during a hazardous situation and for a significant contribution to the United States Air Force Mishap Prevention Program.

A1C BRADLEY RAINES

46 AMXS

Eglin AFB FL

An F-16 from the 85 TES was scheduled to fly an operational test mission from Eglin AFB, FL. The F-16 was carrying an ALQ-184 ECM pod to support the mission. The ECM pod had been loaded two days prior, and was loaded on an incorrectly configured centerline pylon. The load crew chief signed off on the loading, and the jet was scheduled to fly. Maintenance personnel, as well as the pilot of the aircraft, carried out preflight procedures and did not notice the incorrect loading of the ECM pod. A1C Raines was conducting final preflight checks in EOR when he noticed the ECM pod extending into the nose wheel well of the jet. A1C Raines thought it "didn't look right," and called the EOR supervisor over to inspect the aircraft. The pilot was informed and taxied back. Upon post-shutdown inspection, it was discovered the pod was indeed loaded incorrectly. Several individuals, including two seven-levels and the pilot, had the opportunity to notice the loading error. Had the jet taken off, the nose gear would have impacted the ECM pod upon gear retraction, causing catastrophic damage to the ECM pod radome, the gear door actuator and the landing gear itself. Total cost for these parts exceeds $20,000. Depending on the severity of damage to the nose gear assembly, the mishap could have easily escalated to a Class B or even Class A mishap. A1C Raines, the last line of defense for this sortie, was thorough and professional in his duties, and single-handedly prevented a very costly mishap.

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