Test Pilot Killed As Raptor Crashes Near Edwards Afb

摘要

The US Air Force is investigating the cause of the first fatal accident involving its Lockheed Martin F-22 fifth-generation fighter. Assigned to the service's 411th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards AFB, California, the Raptor crashed on 25 March, killing Lockheed test pilot David Cooley.rnThe USAF confirms that the aircraft came down in a remote area about 56km (30nm) northeast of Edwards at around 10:00 AM local time, but has provided no further details of the mishap, or the nature of the test flight. "A board of officers is investigating the accident through an Accident Investigation Board, whose findings will be released to the public upon completion," it says.rnPart of the F-22 Combined Test Force at Edwards, Cooley had been employed by F-22 prime contractor Lockheed since 2003, having first completed a 21-yearrncareer with the air force, the service says. Part of the 412th Test Wing, the joint unit is responsible for performing developmental testing of enhancements and modifications to the F-22.