Narrative:The C-5B Galaxy, operating for the 436th AW, took off from Dover AFB (DOV) at 06:21 on its way to Kuwait. About ten minutes after takeoff the aircrew observed a No. 2 engine "Thrust Reverser Not Locked" indication light. They shut down the No. 2 engine as a precaution and decided to return to Dover.
During the return the pilots and flight engineers continued to use the shut-down No. 2 engines throttle while leaving the fully-operational No. 3 engine in idle. Also, the wrong flap setting was used. On final approach to runway 32, the airplane descended below the normal glidepath. The C-5 stalled , hit a utility pole and crashed into a field. The tail separated and the C-5 crash-landed further on. The nose section separated due to the impact.
The airplane's flight deck was salvaged and flown to Macon-Robins AFB, GA (WRB) in August 2006 to be used as a modernized C-5 software simulator.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE: "Based on clear and convincing evidence, the Board President determined the primary cause of the mishap was the pilots' and flight engineers' failure to use the number three, fully operational, engine; the instructor's and primary flight engineer's failure to brief, and the pilots' failure to consider or utilize a 62.5 or 40% flap setting (instead of a 100% flap setting); and the pilots' attempt at a visual approach to runway 32, descending well below a normal glidepath for an instrument-aided approach or the normal VFR pattern altitude of 1,800 ft. There is substantial evidence that a contributing factor to this mishap was MP1's failure to give a complete approach briefing, in that, nonstandard factors, configuration, landing distance, and missed approach
intentions were not addressed."
Classification:
Emergency landing
Sources:
» EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION C-5B, S/N 84-0059 512th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware 3 April 2006 / USAF
Photos
accident date:
03-04-2006type: Lockheed C-5B Galaxy
registration: 84-0059
accident date:
03-04-2006type: Lockheed C-5B Galaxy
registration: 84-0059
accident date:
03-04-2006type: Lockheed C-5B Galaxy
registration: 84-0059
accident date:
03-04-2006type: Lockheed C-5B Galaxy
registration: 84-0059
accident date:
03-04-2006type: Lockheed C-5B Galaxy
registration: 84-0059
accident date:
03-04-2006type: Lockheed C-5B Galaxy
registration: 84-0059
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does
not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Dover AFB, DE to Ramstein Airport as the crow flies is 6328 km (3955 miles).
Accident location: Exact; deduced from official accident report.
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.