[CPEO-MEF] Investigation into dummy bomb drops completed

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

[New Mexico]
Investigation into dummy bomb drops completed
By Michael Shinabery
Staff Writer

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE ?The F-117A Nighthawk stealth pilot who dropped
dummy bombs, including one on a Monahans, Texas, house, has been
returned to flight status following an investigation.
"He was entirely and completely honest. He never tried to downplay or
blame anyone else for his mistake," said Col. James P. Hunt, 49th
Fighter Wing commander at Holloman Air Force Base.

The incident occurred on July 16. Three BDU 33s (Bomb Dummy Unit) were
"inadvertently released" from approximately 20,000 feet, from an 8th
Fighter Squadron Nighthawk, Hunt said. The BDUs over Pecos, Texas, and
Maljamar damaged roadways and curbs.

According to an Air Force press release, the teardrop-shaped inert bombs
have four tail fins, weigh 25 pounds, and are 22.9-inches long. They
simulate "the trajectory path of larger and heavier inert training or
live bombs," the release stated.

This article can be viewed at:
http://www.alamogordonews.com/Stories/0,1413,160%257E9596%257E1012867,00.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~