Fatal S-3 Mishap last year

[DashCojones]

I recently heard about a fatal class-A involving an S-3B doing some CFIT onto Iwo Jima in August of last year. I'd met 2 of the dudes who were killed, but don't have much info. Does anybody have any details or links to info from the mishap investigation? I read some old headlines, but what did the 'Nav determine was the cause? Any info is much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[SIG600]

There was an article posted on another forum, that said the report came to the conclusion that they flew into the island thinking they were around/over/in the vicinity of the ship, not knowing the light/lights were that of the island. I'll see if I can dig it up.

 

[JungleJetCA]

Pretty much everything in a Navy mishap investigation is priveleged information and sure the hell shouldn't end up on this board. Other than the names of the crew, nothing else is really allowed. You're better off just doing a search in the press for what happened since that's where you would find the non-priveleged info. And it wasn't Iwo Jima, but an island in the vicinity of Iwo, Kita Iwo Jima.
Here's a link of the co-pilot, one great dude and sorely missed:

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/scott-zellem.htm

 

[SIG600]

Nothing privledged has been said to my knowledge...

June 02, 2005

Report: Crew in fatal crash mistook island for carrier

Associated Press

TOKYO (Kyodo) — A Navy report submitted to the Japanese government on Thursday said a Navy plane crashed on an uninhabited Japanese island in the Pacific last August after its crew members mistook the island for a ship, the government said.

On Aug. 10, the S-3B Viking patrol plane assigned to the aircraft carrier John C. Stennis crashed on Kitaiwojima Island in the Pacific about 44 miles north of Iwo Jima, killing the four crew members aboard.

The government said the accident analysis report by the Navy said the crew mistook the image of the island on the radar for that of the ship, and then approached it and crashed.

The Stennis was on an exercise mission in the Pacific at the time along with the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk, which is based in Yokosuka, Japan, the Navy said earlier.

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

Pretty much everything in a Navy mishap investigation is priveleged information and sure the hell shouldn't end up on this board.

Well, you're half right. Privileged info shouldn't end up here, but the amount of privileged info in a mishap report varies widely from mishap to mishap and it's never very hard for the navy to publicly release the general findings of a mishap and preserve privilege. Nobody is asking for any privileged info here, just for the jist of what happened. Lighten up.

 

[exagony]

Considering that my tax dollars went with the crew I think that I am entitled to see what happened. Never a problem when its an airline so whats the big deal when its navy? Might lose that "superman" image? Before you cry I served in the Corps.

 

[Bjammin]

Exagony, I don't give a crap if you did serve in the Corp, you get ZERO respect from me with that attitude. Your "The few, the proud, the dead on the beach" saying pretty much tells the story, you have some serious military issues. Had a hard time with authority? Couldn't take being on the bottom? Didn't want to see combat? Whatever the case, have some respect for the guys that DO hack it. I have the utmost respect for them and refuse to let you take anything away from them.

"Superman" image? As an instructor pilot in the Navy I believe most of these Naval Aviators are Supermen. America should be very proud of the men that serve as officers and pilots in today's Navy. They have worked very long and hard to get where they are and deserve to be called "supermen" because they're as close as we're going to get to super heros. They are very respectful, study hard, love America, and are willing to put their lives on the line to serve others. If you served in the Corps, why don't you understand that? Did you have a thing against officers?

I served as an enlisted man myself, but always had respect for the people above me because I knew they worked hard and deserved to be there. Now that I'm an 0-4 I look at the people below me with respect because I know they are working hard for not much money, are away from home, dedicated to serving they're country, and usually end up on their belly with a weapon. What's your story?

As far as your tax dollars, many secrets are paid for by your money. Do you have the right to know all of them? NO! If you don't like it, MOVE OUT OF THE COUNTRY!

Whatever happened to the S-3B, you have ZERO right to know anything about it. The investigation is done by the military and the results are for military personnel only. If there is something the civilian sector can learn it's up to the military whether or not they want to devulge that. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't.

We lost 4 great men and your biggest concern is for your tax dollars? JERK!!!!

Bottom line, America should be very proud of today's military. The gen X'ers make very fine servicemen. America should let the military do it's thing without probing, questioning, or being sceptical. If you leave it alone it would disappoint you.

 

[DashCojones]

Thanks for the info guys.

 

[exagony]

Exagony, I don't give a crap if you did serve in the Corp, you get ZERO respect from me with that attitude. Your "The few, the proud, the dead on the beach" saying pretty much tells the story, you have some serious military issues.

No military issues at all - in fact fought in 2 wars and have the t-shirt to prove it - how about you? "The few the proud the dead on the beach" was told to me by a MOH recipient (Army) (and he said it jokingly mind you) and I think its funny - if you don't tough s#$t

Had a hard time with authority?

None at all, if I did I wouldn't have been in the Corps - I would've joined the navy if I did.

Couldn't take being on the bottom?

Proud to have served and honorably discharged you have no clue what my rank was.

Didn't want to see combat?

Like I said been there done that and will probably be going to play again in the sand in the near future, talking about being afraid of seeing combat - how much combat have you seen at 30000 feet- that Iraqi and Afganistan air force is one to contend with. Not saying your job is without a lot of risk and danger but don't try to talk down to someone who has pulled the trigger. Pretty easy to be a "hero" when you only fight a war part time instead of full times like the grunts. The only heros in any war are those who are no longer with us due to war.

Whatever the case, have some respect for the guys that DO hack it.

I challenge you to look at each other's SRB's - bet ya mine is more impressive.

I have the utmost respect for them and refuse to let you take anything away from them.

So do I, except that I also believe that people can learn from their mistakes ie maybe something in the accident investigation could help everyone in the aviation community.

"Superman" image? As an instructor pilot in the Navy I believe most of these Naval Aviators are Supermen. America should be very proud of the men that serve as officers and pilots in today's Navy. They have worked very long and hard to get where they are and deserve to be called "supermen" because they're as close as we're going to get to super heros.

I have alot of respect for anyone who goes through all the training - they are no more supermen than the grunt in the foxhole who can't get back to base after a mission and drink a beer or live in airconditioned tents or a carrier. If you want to look for super heroes I challenge you to go to CMOHS.com - that's where you'll find super heroes.

They are very respectful, study hard, love America, and are willing to put their lives on the line to serve others. If you served in the Corps, why don't you understand that? Did you have a thing against officers?

I love this country and have spilt blood for it; I'll bet you can't say the same. Nothing at all against officers

I served as an enlisted man myself, but always had respect for the people above me because I knew they worked hard and deserved to be there. Now that I'm an 0-4 I look at the people below me with respect because I know they are working hard for not much money, are away from home, dedicated to serving they're country, and usually end up on their belly with a weapon. What's your story?

Congrats on being a mustang.

As far as your tax dollars, many secrets are paid for by your money. Do you have the right to know all of them? NO! If you don't like it, MOVE OUT OF THE COUNTRY!

Didn't ask for secrets of the military, just asked for info on what happened in this crash. Or is accident super secret Area 51 info. I severly doubt that if the crew became disoriented or whatever the case may be, that its a matter of National Security - if it is then I retract my request to know as a tax payer. I've paid for my place in the US as you have - if YOU don't like someone asking questions, move elsewhere yourself - I have earned the right to ask questions.

Whatever happened to the S-3B, you have ZERO right to know anything about it. The investigation is done by the military and the results are for military personnel only. If there is something the civilian sector can learn it's up to the military whether or not they want to devulge that or not. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't.

Having been involved in military investigations I am sure you know that sometimes things that might be embarising are covered up. Don't want any embarising stuff to come out just wondering what happened in the crash. Unless the Navy has something to hide like the Kelly Hulcrumb stall out on short final to the Lincoln ( not slandering her but lets be honest, the DOD tried to cover it up due to PC.)

Bottom line, America should be very proud of today's military. The gen X'ers make very fine servicemen. America should let the military do it's thing without probing, questioning, or being sceptical. If you leave it alone it would disappoint you.

I am extremely proud of the US military and am the first to pounce on any one who demeans servicemen. I fully support everything the US military does and their actions in all wars including Iraq. Don't get your panties in a bind just because I want some info that may help ME someday.


Flame away - by the way thanks for your service - no pund intended

 

[exagony]

We lost 4 great men and your biggest concern is for your tax dollars? JERK!!!!

Where in my post did I express that my biggest concern is my tax dollars? I just stated that as a tax payer - ie one who pays for the military - I would like to know what happened. I feel for the crew and their families and friends. The fact of the matter is that every year many airplanes are lost in the military and the civilian world. ALL pilots can learn from other mistakes. Maybe you weren't awake during that point of your training. I did not mean to demean the crew and I don't believe I did. I just stated that I believe the public has the right to know what happened as long as national security is not involved. What's the big secret?! I know that there are plenty of military pilots who hot dog around and break the rules when noone is looking - don't deny it because its true. Just the same the majority fly as they are supposed to. Just like the pinacle crash on other threads maybe some one will learn something from the mistakes of others and it may save their lives or those on the ground. That is all and go ahead and read into it as much as you like.