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+--- Thread: F-35B crash pilot error, pilot fired from command of VMX-1 (/Thread-F-35B-crash-pilot-error-pilot-fired-from-command-of-VMX-1)
F-35B crash pilot error, pilot fired from command of VMX-1 - Zaphod58 - 10-31-2024
The F-35B that went "missing" over South Carolina last year has been ruled pilot error. The pilot, Col Charles "Tre" Del Pizzo was appointed the head of Marine Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) and claims he was fired as a result of the findings, despite the report being released months before he took command. He was attempting to land at Joint Base Charleston in bad weather when his primary radio and flight displays went out. His stand by flight instruments were working normally, and his back up radio was at least partially functioning. The decision to eject was inappropriate because control inputs were still in progress. Weather complicated the situation, because the primary radio, transponder, tactical navigation system, and ILS failed during an electrical event.
On approach to Charleston he ordered his wingman to transition to STOVL mode for a slow landing. That was the last thing his wingman heard from him. During the approach his helmet started to flicker in and out, and his panoramic display went out. He carried out a missed approach, but felt that the aircraft was not transitioning back to conventional mode. After he lost his helmet display for the third time, he wasn't sure what instruments he could trust, and felt the aircraft was out of control. The F-35B flight manual says that the aircraft is considered out of control if it's not responding properly to inputs, and if it's below 6,000 feet the pilot should eject. The report cited that the definition of out of control is too broad and played a role in the accident. His decision to eject was ultimately rule inappropriate because the aircraft was responding to inputs, the backup flight instruments were working, and the back up radio was partially functional.
In June of this year, Col Del Pizzo was appointed command of Marine Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) at Yuma, despite the report being completed in January. He was removed from command for loss of trust and confidence in his ability to execute the responsibilities of his command. He was chosen for command in August of 2022.
https://abcnews4.com/news/local/marine-corps-finds-pilot-error-caused-100-million-f-35-crash-in-williamsburg-county
https://www.defensenews.com/news/your-marine-corps/2024/10/31/marine-pilot-loses-command-after-ejecting-from-f-35b-that-kept-flying/
