Mishap Resulting in Pilot's Death: Malfunction of Safety Pin and Straps in T-6 Aircraft
In an unfortunate incident that took place on May 13, 2024, at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, an Air Force instructor pilot named Greg Hadley lost his life due to an accident involving the T-6 ejection seat. This tragic event, the first fatal T-6 accident for the Air Force since fiscal 2004, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety procedures.
According to the Air Force Accident Investigation Board report, the incident involved Hadley and an international student pilot during an uneventful training flight. The mishap occurred after Hadley disconnected from five of 11 connection points to the ejection seat, including straps connecting him to the parachute, before the handle was inadvertently pulled. The primary cause was found to be Hadley's failure to fully insert a safety pin into his T-6 ejection seat.
The safety pin, a crucial component in preventing accidental ejection seat activation, is designed with two spring-loaded detent balls that lock it securely in place. To remove the pin, a push button on the pin's stem must be depressed. If not fully installed, it may become dislodged, enabling the ejection handle to be actuated accidentally.
In this case, it is believed that the safety pin likely popped out during the ejection sequence and struck an airspeed indicator in the cockpit. The ejection system shot Hadley and his seat into the air, but because he had disconnected from his parachute, he fell around 100 feet through an aircraft shelter. Hadley was transported to a local hospital where he died in the early hours of May 14.
The report also noted that Hadley was respected by leadership, fellow instructors, and students. He was recognized as the Instructor Pilot of the Year for 2023 and was known for his dedication and care towards his students, spending extra time explaining concepts to them.
The incident has prompted a renewed focus on the primary safety measure to prevent accidental ejection seat activation in the T-6 Texan II: the proper insertion and handling of the seat safety pins. Pilots are required to insert a seat safety pin into the ejection seat during the After Landing Checklist, which physically prevents actuation of the ejection control handle.
In addition, pilots run through a standardized checklist after landing, which includes the step to insert the safety pin to safeguard against inadvertent ejection during ground operations. Proper strapping-in procedures are also emphasized, since mishandling or partial strapping can exacerbate injury risk if an accidental ejection occurs.
This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of strict compliance with the safety pin insertion procedure. It serves as a somber reminder for all pilots to adhere to the prescribed post-flight checklists and seat-belt procedures to ensure their safety and the safety of their passengers.
- The T-6 ejection seat accident at Sheppard Air Force Base in May 2024, involving Air Force instructor pilot Greg Hadley, has emphasized the significance of adhering to safety procedures, particularly the proper insertion of seat safety pins.
- The General-News headlines have reported that the incident involved Hadley and an international student during an uneventful training flight, with the primary cause being Hadley's failure to fully insert the safety pin into his T-6 ejection seat.
- The financial implications of the incident have not been disclosed, but the aviation industry must address the issue of accidental ejection seat activation, with a focus on the T-6 Texan II aircraft's safety pin system, to prevent future mishaps.
- The Transportation sector has been put on alert, as the aviation community reflects on the May 13 accident, with a particular focus on the importance of following checklists and seat-belt procedures to ensure the safety of pilots and passengers alike.
- In the wake of Hadley's unfortunate death, the aviation industry and Air Force are encouraging pilots to pay extra attention to safety measures, such as the proper handling and insertion of seat safety pins, to minimize the risk of similar accidents happening in the future.
