The media team at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico, first reported the story of how a civilian air traffic controller—Wendy Smith—working in Kirtland Tower saved the six-person flight crew of an Air Force CV-22, and avoided a $90 million accident. Cassidy is a 12-year veteran controller at Kirtland.
Tower Controller Credited With Save of CV-22 at Kirtland AFB
Key Takeaways:
- Air traffic controller Wendy Smith at Kirtland AFB averted a catastrophic accident by noticing an anomaly with a departing Air Force CV-22 Osprey.
- Smith's observation of a "weird" prop-rotor prompted the six-person flight crew to return and land the aircraft.
- Maintenance subsequently discovered a failing pitch link bearing that would have led to a catastrophic mechanical failure, resulting in the loss of the $90 million aircraft and its crew.
- Smith was recognized for her vigilance, which was particularly crucial as the crew was focused on complex night-vision training during takeoff.
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