Flightline safety award of distinction - Monthly Award Winners - Brief Article

Combat Edge, August, 2002

MSgt Anthony L. Iserninger 388th Component Repair Squadron 55th Wing Offutt AEB, Neb.

An F-16 landed with engine faults indicating a high delta T-4B (turbine temperature). The fighter squadron engine technicians initiated the troubleshooting tree and placed the aircraft and engine on a watch status for five flights. MSgt Iseminger performed a follow-up review of these corrective actions and discovered that a borescope of the combustor had not been accomplished as the technical data directs. MSgt Iseminger immediately grounded the aircraft, which had just deployed in preparation for an off-station aerial demonstration, and directed the required inspection. The engine combustor was found to have severe heat distress with a 5-to 6-inch open crack. This meant the engine was in the beginning stages of a severe burn. through condition. Had MSgt Iseminger not took action to ground his aircraft and directed follow-on maintenance, this condition may have had catastrophic results. If gone undetected for just one more flight, a jet engine, aircraft, and aircrew might have been destroyed and lost during a n air show.