The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board has published its preliminary report into the loss of a TA-4K operated by Draken International at Nellis Air Force Base on Aug. 18.
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By Alan Wilson from Stilton, Peterborough, Cambs, UK (Douglas TA-4K Skyhawk ‘N141EM’) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Investigators say the aircraft suffered a “loss of engine power shortly after entering the traffic pattern.” The mishap aircraft was the lead of a flight of two and the engine failure occurred as the pilot break for downwind.
He “initiated a turn towards the airport; however, he realized that he was unable to make the runway and consequently turned left towards a field and then initiated ejection.” The aircraft was destroyed by fire after hitting the ground.