How An F-35’s Engine Was Taken Out By A Simple Flashlight

jgorzynik/Shutterstock

According to a report by the Air Force Aircraft Accident Investigation Board, a flashlight took out one of the most innovative fighter jets in the Air Force’s toolbox. This was not an deliberate action. It tookplace throughout a regular upkeep check by a totally certified 62d Aircraft Maintenance Unit team. Unfortunately, it was irreversible damage to an engine that was worth $14 million on its own.

The F-35 Lightning II is an advanced piece of military innovation capable of air-to-air battle and air-to-ground objectives. Lockheed Martin developed the F-35 to deflect radar energy away from it, supplying it with a greater possibility of penetrating opponent area before detection. The United States Air Force formally embraced the F-35 Lightning II in 2016 with prepares to change the F-16 Fighting Falcon with it. It’s a $78 million airplane that can simply as quickly satisfy its end in the air versus opponent airplane or on the ground throughout regular upkeep. The Air Force’s report information the occasions leading up to the accident.

Mike Mareen/Shutterstock

In March of 2023, at Arizona’s Luke Air Force Base, a upkeep group designated to the 56th Fighter Wing ran a series of tests and setups on an F-35’s propulsion system. According to the report, the three-person group setup a fuel metering valve into the engine fuel line and instantly followed up with a test to check for fuel leakages. The upkeep group reported no visual indications that would suggest a malfunctioning test. After running idle for 5 minutes, the airplane’s