Simulated aircraft accident tests Wolf Pack response

by Senior Airman Divine Cox
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

1/13/2015 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Airmen here were tested by the wing inspection team Jan. 12 during a simulated aircraft accident that occurred near the north end of the runway.

The exercise kicked off at approximately 8:30 p.m. when a pilot called in a simulated engine failure to the air traffic control tower while 30 miles out.

As part of the exercise scenario, base leadership and responders were notified that the pilot attempted a flame-out landing 350 feet from the runway before successfully ejecting. The scenario continued with the jet crashing along the runway and traveling out of control before coming to a stop near the end of runway, where it then began to ignite.

When responders arrived on scene, they found clouds of smoke around a single parked jet. Further down the runaway, 8th Medical Group Airmen responded to a role-player posing as the pilot who was injured when landing following ejection.

"The purpose of this emergency management exercise was to test the wing's ability to respond to an emergency situation," said Master Sgt. Justin Carlton, 8th Fighter Wing inspection manager. "We fly planes like these every day, and exercises like this ensure that in case of a real-world accident, the Wolf Pack will be able to respond quickly and proficiently."

Inspectors watched and waited as they evaluated the base's ability to take the necessary steps to safely and quickly respond to the incident.

"The members reacted phenomenally," Carlton said. "The first responders communicated well with one another, and everyone moved with a sense of urgency."

Aside from alerting first responders, Airmen were also tested on their ability to care for the injured pilot and provide basic life-saving techniques learned from self-aid and buddy care.

"My job is to save lives and protect all structures on base, to include the airfield, at all times," said Staff Sgt. Cody Williams, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron lead firefighter. "All Airmen should be able to respond to any emergency situation, and assist victims before emergency personnel arrive -- not just first responders."

From what he observed, Carlton believes the Wolf Pack is ready to tackle any situation that is thrown its way.

"It's through realistic training scenarios that the Wolf Pack is able to prepare for any contingency," Carlton added. "It's just another way we keep ourselves ready to fight tonight."