Navy: Dropped bomb was meant for training run

[unhappycamper]

Navy: Dropped bomb was meant for training run
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Nov 16, 2007 19:53:03 EST

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The practice bomb that accidentally dropped from a fighter jet last month had failed to release during a training mission unbeknownst to the pilot, the Navy said Friday.

The 10-pound dummy bomb dislodged when the pilot lowered the landing gear as it approached Oceana Naval Air Station on Oct. 30. No one was injured, and a warehouse that was hit by the falling bomb received only minor damage.

The jet was one of two F/A-18 Hornets returning from a training mission at the Navy’s bombing range in Dare County, N.C. The jet released what was believed to have been eight BDU-48 practice bombs on a designated target, and the spotter reported eight impacts, so the pilot had no idea one had failed to release, according to a news release from Navel Air Force Atlantic.

Also, the companion jet experienced engine trouble, so its pilot did not perform a visual inspection on the other jet before landing, as is standard operating procedure, the Navy said.

Oceana has suspended the use of the BDU-48 training bomb until an investigation into the incident is complete, which is expected to take until mid-December.


Article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/11/ap_navy_practicebomb_071116/