Hornet CF188933
13 January 2005
Tinker AFB, Oklahoma,USA
The Pilot in Command (PIC) and second pilot were enroute
from Cold Lake, Alberta, to Naval Air Station Key West,
Florida as part of an exercise deployment. An enroute
fuel stop was planned at Tinker Air Force Base (AFB),
Oklahoma. Approximately 100 Nautical Miles (NM) from
Tinker and at an altitude of 39,000 feet, the crew experienced
indications of right engine oil pressure fluctuations.
The checklist items were actioned and the right engine
was shut down. The crew declared an emergency and began
their descent.
The crew planned for an arrested landing via a visual
straight in approach to runway 12. Within 2 NM of touchdown
and unable to visually identify the Bak 12 arrestor
cable on the runway, the PIC decided to land at the
runway threshold. Just prior to touchdown, the aircraft's
arrestor hook caught the E-5 arrestor gear in the undershoot
area of runway 12, 70' before the threshold. The aircraft's
main landing gear then touched down prior to the runway
threshold. After encountering difficulty with directional
control, the PIC used emergency braking to bring the
aircraft to a halt on runway 12, 7500' from the threshold.
After conducting a normal shutdown, both pilots egressed
uninjured. The aircraft sustained "D" category
damage; the E-5 arrestor cable and runway also sustained
damage.
The Flight Safety Investigation revealed that the
CF-18 crew were unaware that the tail-hook touchdown
point can be over 500 feet prior to the intended aim-point
(depending on variables such as glide path angle, and
angle of attack). Recommendations include amending manuals
to ensure aircrew are aware of the difference in touchdown
points.
The engine oil pressure fluctuations were caused by
a faulty connector which had failed due to a cracked
oil pressure transmitter bracket. False oil pressure
indications have resulted in approximately 15 single-engine
landings over the past five years. Recommendations include
a re-design of the transmitter bracket, and modifications
to the inspection procedures.
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