National Air Cargo 747 Bagram AB Crash

National Air Cargo 747 Crash.  Bagram, Afghanistan

The speculation and investigation into the crash have led investigators to conclude that the tie-down used to secure the MRAP's failed and led to shifting cargo which in turn made the conditions un fit for flight. 

Daily Mail. (2014). Did cargo shift cause Bagram 747 crash? Retrieved from: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2335148/Bragram-747-cargo-plane-crash-MRAP-vehicles-plane-carrying-broke-free-straps-causing-crash.html

Simulators & AD 13

Simulators & AD 13

     Flight Simulators have been a training tool used extensively for flight crews since world War II.  The first pilot training aids were actually in use before WWI.  Edwin A. Link provided a giant step forward when in 1931 he received a patent on his "pilot maker" training device (U.S.A.F fact sheet, 2014).  Virtually all WWII pilots took instruction in one form or another in a Link trainer.  With regards to my subject of this blog; Loadmasters are now receiving training on ground and flight simulation.  Simulation not only is less wear and tear on the aircraft, it is an extremely cost effective way to eliminate the need for scarce training dollars. 

     Both the C-17A and now the C-130J aircraft have linkable cockpit and cargo area simulators.  The loadmaster, who sits in a simulated fuselage, can simulate air drops, combat offloads and night-vision-goggle scenarios. Recently, a lot of the training procedures completed on an aircraft have been moved to the simulator due to its realistic nature (Morgan, 2014).  C-17 pilots and loadmasters use a simulator complex to train on special requirements multiple times a month, both of these save the Air Force up to 90 percent of the actual cost of flying. The newest trainers are preparing loadmasters in the virtual reality realm; he C-130 Loadmaster Virtual Reality Trainer enables operators to train in a 3-dimensional environment using computers, special goggles, and fiberoptics. Loadmasters increase their confidence and effectiveness through virtual reality exer-cises and become better prepared for flight training with no additional manpower required (Air Force HSI, 2005).

                          

     AD 13 (Paper Trail Checklist), is quite relevant when discussing accidents that are related to cargo contents or specific loading procedures.  Aircraft and maintenance records can be crucial to an investigation when determining if all aircraft related equipment was both present and functional.  The operational and personal records of the flight and ground crews allow an investigation to determine the fitness of those involved to include their current status of training levels.  Not discussed are the actual transportation or manifest records.  They are vitally important to determine if the cargo offered for movement was properly identified and configured for aerial shipment.  The cross check of all hazardous movements can be a life or death step in determining if it was a cause or attributable factor in an accident. 

U.S.A.F fact sheet. (2014). Link Trainer. Retrieved from: http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet_print.asp?fsID=3371

Morgan, J. (2014). Aircrews learn emergencies in safe environment. Retrieved from: http://www.amc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123277169

Air Force HSI. (2005). C-130 Loadmaster Virtual Reality Trainer. Retrieved from: http://www.wpafb.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-090121-028.pdf



    

       The main reason I chose this topic is that I have been involved with cargo aircraft my entire adult life 22+ years as a C-5 A/B/C, C-17A & 747-200/300/400/8F/LCF Aircraft Loadmaster and current C-17A Loadmaster Simulator Instructor.  In addition I am also the son of a retired US Air Force C-124, C-133A/B & C-5A Aircraft Loadmaster.  Soon my second born Son will be following in the tradition when this spring he will be enlisting in the Alaska National Guard as a C-17A Loadmaster.  I have a vested interest in identifying past cargo induced accidents so that I may highlight and pass this on to my current and future students.

       

     Aircraft accidents are a constant newsworthy event, some of the less likely causes are those that can be attributed to the cargo being carried.  When it has been determined cargo had been a contributing factor, most if not all of the situations were correctable or preventable.  The most recent that comes to memory is the National Air Cargo crash at Bagram AB Afghanistan. 
National Air Cargo B744 crashed after it was determined loose cargo consisting of three armored vehicles and two mine sweepers totaling at 80 tons of weight, caused the accident. The cargo slammed so hard at the back of the aircraft, that parts of the aircraft separated and wiring in the back was severed. As result of the shift and loss of aircraft parts the center of gravity moved so far back, that the attitude of the aircraft could no longer be controlled, the nose of the aircraft rose beyond the flying envelope of the aircraft and the aircraft stalled destroying the aircraft and killing all crew in the resulting impact. Parts of the aircraft, that separated as result of the initial load shift, were recovered from the runway. The straps used to tie down the cargo were recovered from the accident site, although charred they provided evidence of having fractured before final impact, it was unclear however, whether the fracture(s) had happened before or after takeoff (Hradecky, 2014).
      Another being the crash of United Parcel Service Flight 6 crash in Dubai.  The final determination was that “the investigation concludes with reasonable certainty that the location of the fire was in an element of the cargo that contained, among other items, lithium batteries.” (Kapur, 2014)






Hradecky, S. (2014). Crash: National Air Cargo B744 at Bagram on 29 Apr 2013. Retrieved from:      http://avherald.com/h?article=46183bb4

Kapur, V. (2014). UPS Dubai crash: GCAA final report links accident to lithium batteries. Retrieved from: http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/ups-dubai-crash-gcaa-final-report-links-accident-to-lithium-batteries-2013-07-25-1.515438

C-124 - http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=289
C-133 - http://www.boeing.com/boeing/history/mdc/c-133.page
C-5 - http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/c5.html
C-17 - http://www.boeing.com/boeing/defense-space/military/c17/index.page

Aircraft Loadmaster -
      A Loadmaster is an aircrew member that performs the calculations and plans cargo and passenger placement to keep the aircraft within permissible center of gravity limits throughout the flight.  The loadmaster may physically load the aircraft, but primarily supervises loading crews and procedures. Once positioned aboard the aircraft, the loadmaster ensures that their charge is properly secured, as an unexpected shift of the load can produce serious handling problems for the aircraft. Chains, straps, and integrated cargo locks are among the most common tools used to secure the cargo. Because cargo may shift during abrupt maneuvers, the loadmaster must determine the appropriate type, quantity and placement of cargo restraint. 
      Many loadmasters may also be required to be qualified for "aerial delivery" of paratroops or cargo by parachute. Compared to the relatively routine transportation of cargo, airdrop can be a highly technical and dangerous undertaking. Under some situations, the most effective way to resupply ground troops is by aerial delivery of equipment, ammunition, food, and medical supplies. 
      Until the 1980s, loadmasters were found primarily within the military, but as civilian airlines became more involved in air freight operations with large airplanes, particularly, the Boeing 747, many companies began using loadmasters on flights where complex cargo loads were carried.



AD Tips that can be used are pretty common to all investigations to include cargo induced accidents.  Overall the process starts with the stipulation that we are not trying to determine the cause but are attempting to collect evidence, observe what is at hand and find facts.  Photography and video can be crucial in the collection of evidence.  Small, middle, and big picture framing allows others to sample the evidence without focusing necessarily on one thing.  The 5-M concept is applicable in that Man is always involved.  Machine?  Was it configured and operating properly?  Medium can be attributed to material handling equipment and devices.  Mission is considered when evaluating time of day, conditions, and expertise.  Management is involved with the composition of all involved and the assigning of proper resources.  Ultimately Human Factors (HF)are the leading contributor in most all accidents.  The SHELL concept of HF can be used to evaluate all of the interchangeable relationship between the loading, unloading, and preparation of cargo for flight.  Ultimately much can be learned from the human interview process, first hand knowledge immediately after an accident is an invaluable tool in determining the causes of an accident.. 

 

Cargo Induced Aircraft Accidents

This Blog will explore the instances of and causes of Aircraft Accidents that were influenced by the cargo being carried.  I hope to bring an engaging, well thought out and informative forum for all whom view this.  Thank you, JD.