There was a single copy made of the master mishap tape. No other copies made. Gen Creech deleted the fireball only, well after the incident and report. He did not erase anything prior to the fireball. He erased the fireball because he didn't want the fireball to be used for sensationalizing the mishap. http://www.gao.gov/assets/210/207430.pdf.
Page two has the most info and it is clear there was no attempt to hide or mislead or in any way impeach the MIB findings.
The tape was released to NBC. I am not aware of any congressional request for the tape, just a request to look into why the last couple of seconds (the fireball) were erased.
Regular mishap boards are not done in combat. Combat loss is not a mishap. A combat loss investigation is conducted.
The Air Force sweeping a crash site for remains is a sacred duty to all Air Force personnel. Everyone. The fact they missed some pieces does not support the charge of a biased/faulty investigation opr uncaring sloppy work. Usually the biggest piece that remains are things like a knee-cap or ankle. Pieces of the jet are all over the place, as you well know, and most times the only pieces that look like a jet are the engines, especially if hitting the side of a mountain. I find is difficult to accept that said ALL pieces were recovered. What is likely is major pieces we recovered, pieces that were essential to discovering the why. Pieces of the exterior of the jet no larger than a penny would not be useful.
Your examples date yourself, meaning the processes for investigating were different then as opposed to today. Today is much more refined, scientific and accurate, seeking truth and facts.
An Air Force team investigating weapons effects is NOT a mishap investigation team. In fact, in such cases there will NOT be a mishap board. There will be an investigation but not a mishap investigation.
You are confusing incidents that are not mishaps with actual mishap investigations. Common error, you are not alone. See: http://www.acc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=2356
The Air Force mishap investigation process is honorable and clear and done with integrity. I can't say the same thing about the Marines since I never was part of a Marine mishap investigation.
Sort of the answer I expected. Everything is just fine - nobody covers up anything.
The remains I recovered included the young man’s lower jaw, his left wrist (which still had hIs watch on it) and assorted other bits.
I am amazed you condone the erasing of that tape: it smacks of arrogance. But the Air Force is never arrogant, is it?