T-38C accident investigation complete Published May 23, 2007 RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Air Force has completed its investigation of the Feb. 22 T-38C accident near Hondo, Texas, which resulted in the loss of the aircraft. The accident investigation board (AIB) determined the cause of this mishap was the mission pilot's inadvertent actuation of the front cockpit flap lever resulting in the full extension of the flaps at 390 knots calibrated airspeed. This resulted in the aircraft initially pitching nose up and then nose down. The T-38C Talon from the 12th Flying Training Wing was traveling at a speed appropriate for the mission, but well above the design speed for flap extension. The left flap rod broke causing the left flap to raise to a streamline position with the right flap remaining extended, resulting in an uncommanded left roll. This led to an unrecoverable condition and a proper decision by the pilot to eject. The aircraft, piloted by Maj. Michael Pelletier, 435th Fighter Training Squadron, was the flight lead of a formation of two T-38s flying an offensive basic fighter maneuver (OBFM) training mission. The mission profile included gravity awareness turns, tactical formation maneuvering, an OBFM demonstration for the student, and a practice OBFM engagement for the student to fly. They had just completed the OBFM engagement when the mishap occurred. After ejecting from the airplane and reaching the ground, Major Pelletier was recovered by a San Antonio Air Life helicopter and transported to Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, where he was treated and released. The aircraft, valued at $6.7 million, was a total loss. Property damage was limited to ground depression, damaged trees, and fuel and hydraulic contamination. The accident investigation board was headed by Col. Mark D. Kelly, 306th Flying Training Group, operating from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.