Pilot safety: award of distinction

Maj Granger was flying an F-16 D-model aircraft as a SEFE, call sign Greasy 62, on a daytime fly-pit-fly profile to evaluate an instrument check ride for Capt Bacon, flying in Greasy 61. After hot-pitting, both aircraft performed a formation takeoff and proceeded eastbound toward the training area for a BFM sortie. After passing the coastline and at approximately 20,000 ft and 300 knots, Maj Granger's aircraft experienced a catastrophic engine failure resulting in a loud bang, vibration, and constant engine shudder. Maj Granger immediately turned his F-16 toward Charleston AFB, the nearest suitable airfield. Due to the heavy population in this area, Maj Granger took great care to parallel the coastline while applying critical action procedures to restart his engine. Capt Bacon took up the chase position and declared an emergency with air traffic control. Noticing that Greasy 62's centerline tank had not jettisoned, he commanded a jettison reattempt. Maj Granger again tried to emergency jettison the tank without success. As the formation continued toward Charleston AFB, it became evident that the mishap aircraft didn't have the energy required to reach the runway. Population density was also growing and both pilots were increasingly concerned about where to eject from the aircraft to minimize any injury or damage on the ground. Scanning ahead, Maj Granger saw a large marsh in the Ashley River. Both Maj Granger and Capt Bacon agreed that was where the aircraft needed to impact. Maj Granger coordinated with his backseater to prepare for imminent ejection. At 1,200 ft, Maj Granger extended the aircraft speed brakes to shorten his gliding distance and commanded bailout. Capt Bacon's high degree of professionalism and cool thinking were exemplary while orbiting overhead the survivors. Capt Bacon quickly used the newly acquired Helmet Mounted Cueing System to mark the survivor's position as well as the position of the downed aircraft. Capt Bacon relayed this information to both Charleston Air Traffic Control and the Shaw AFB Supervisor of Flying. Capt Bacon then established radio contact with Maj Granger, who relayed that both pilots were uninjured.

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Maj Stephen J. Granger, Capt Christopher A. Bacon

9th Air Force, Shaw AFB, S.C.

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