Crew chief safety: award of distinction

Combat Edge, Oct, 2004 by Randall Thomas

While launching an F-16C, MSgt Thomas distinguished himself by discovering an engine problem that could have resulted in an aircraft mishap. During the launch sequence, Sergeant Thomas noticed vapors coming from the aircraft exhaust. After confirming that the pilot did not have any abnormal indications in the cockpit, Sergeant Thomas took a closer look at the exhaust and noticed oil pooling in the tail pipe. Sergeant Thomas informed the pilot that the launch would have to be aborted. After an uneventful shutdown, he rechecked the oil level and discovered it to be excessively low. If Sergeant Thomas had not noticed the oil pooling in the tailpipe, the aircraft would have launched with an engine that was susceptible to seizure. MSgt Thomas' vigilance and quick action prevented the potential loss an F-16C aircraft and combat ready pilot.

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MSgt Randall Thomas, 187th Fighter Wing, Montgomery, Alabama