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Great article. I also found it odd how thoroughly the board President avoided implicating anyone except squadron commanders and below for decisions that happen far above even the group or wing level.

-undermanned OSS? sq/ccs fault

-Sq stretched thin by deployments? Culture problem

-aircrew have 2 flights in 2 months? Culture problem

-can’t fund the base enough provide a working vis sensor for one end of their only runway? Culture problem

P.S. that sensor is still inop

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While I am not a fan of "Hoover", as he constantly berates accidents for "Lack of crew coordination", yet at the same time, repeatedly demeans "WSO's" (Now, all are 'CSO'S in the AF) and their crew unimportance. I have a problem with this as I was trained that the moment you step on board an aircraft, EVERYONE plays a critical role, and your communication should be as-briefed.

Yes, if the DSO seat is responsible for post-landing, I WANT him/her to have that checklist out and ready for recovery. If the OSO is responsible for backing up the pilots (and he/she has the ABILITY to do so, then YES, they better be performing that task during the approach. THEY DO NOT SEE THE ILS!!

With that said, he did make an excellent final comment. "The moment the aircrew started debating about 'Opposite' runway landings and marginal weather conditions, they should have just diverted to KTIK". This about sums up your statement on 'Planning the flight and flying the plan".

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