On the contrary. As an ordnanceman, something like this could only happen if several procedures were violated. This isn't just an "Oops, we loaded a nuke!" This happened precisely because of dereliction and complacency at many different levels just as the article stated.
As an ordnanceman, loader or BB stacker you as well as I (EOD) know that the CG point of attachment changes when the W80 warhead is installed. The “handling” gear they used would have to be configured for full or empty to load it. Uncle Sugars Wind Force couldn’t have made this many errors in a long chain of events required before a move is made.
Munitions control would have had each of those ACM’s by serial number listed as full up or empty on their data grease board as well in digital and paper files. The noooook munitions team leader, the load team at the aircraft, the WSO on the BUFF, The AC Commander, The enlisted Crew Chief for the AC, the flight safety officer, command post on main base..... wayyyyyyyyyy too many FUBARS to think for one minute this was a Ooooops by the Wing Nuts on the ground and in the air etc etc etc etc etc ............ô¿ô¬
Several somebodies didn’t do their job.