Weston Hills jet crash findings to be made public within 90 days

F-15 clean up, WestonThe findings of the investigation into the F-15 military jet crash in Weston Hills earlier this month will be made public within three months.

A report will be issued by the Air Accidents Investigations Branch in 60 to 90 days, RAF Lakenheath said this week.
It will follow a 30-day internal inquiry held by the Safety Investigation Board, which got under way last Thursday.

Recovery of the plane completed this week, with road closures lifted. Crash debris had been carefully removed and the scene will now be recreated in a hangar at the Suffolk airbase.
USAF 1st Lt Keenan Kunst said: “As far as the recovery is concerned, everything went very smoothly. Because the crash site was so compact and the debris was not widely spread, it hasn’t been that difficult.
“It was a very smooth effort between the RAF, MoD and our operations.”

The incident occurred at around 3.30pm on October 8 after two F-15s had been practising combat manoeuvres.
It is not yet publicly known if there was a mid-air collision, whether it was pilot error, or whether a mechanical or structural problem developed with the jet which crashed.
The pilot ejected to safety and the plane came down in a field off Broadgate.

F-15 clean up, WestonBoth Spalding community policing inspector Jim Tyner and the RAF squadron leader who has been co-ordinating the recovery phase thanked villagers for their patience over the past fortnight.

Insp Tyner said: “This has been a significant event for Weston Hills and I’m grateful for the support we have received from the local community.
“Although we have tried to keep disruption to a minimum, inevitably this has caused inconvenience for people going about their daily routines.
“Villagers have been very understanding.”

And Sqn Ldr Emma Watkins said: “I am extremely grateful for the patience and understanding of the Weston Hills community.
“Without their support, the recovery of the aircraft would not have been the success it has.”

Weston Hills resident Anthony Casson is a district councillor for the ward and chairman of the village hall, which opened to provide assistance in the immediate aftermath of the crash.
He said: “The recovery operation went very well.
“I went to the headquarters at the crash site several times and everyone was extremely helpful and open.
“When the reports are complete they will be for anybody to look at.”

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