[Gunrunner2]

Indeed.

The Mishap and Accident Board will conduct their own investigations. If the pilot was found to have willfully violated regulations he will be fried. If he made a mistake, he will survive. In either case, it is not a fun place to be.

The Air Force realized many years ago guys were riding in the jet in an attempt to save it. They wondered why. It was found that the pilots, even though the mishap may not have been their fault in any way, they did not want to suffer the harsh "one mistake" Air Force mentality. The Air Force changed and now the Air Force understand flying jets, flying fighters especially, requires flying at the edge of the envelope and sometimes things a) break, and b) you make an honest mistake. The Air Force does not punish for a mistake; they punish for a crime.

[jblair]

Wing Commanders and Squadron Commanders were always at risk when aircraft were lost. At least it was that way through the 70's and early 80's when I was around what was called TAC. The important thing is that these pilots survived the accidents. Once pilot error is eliminated as a cause, the trail picks up at all possible support and technology avenues. People may lose their jobs. Often, politics come to bare on the decision to cut new orders.