Air Mobility Command officials released the Accident Investigation Board findings in the 1 July crash of a Modular Airborne Firefighting System-equipped C-130H in South Dakota on 14 November 2012. The investigation determined the cockpit crew’s inadequate assessment of operational conditions resulted in the aircraft flying into a microburst and impacting the ground. The failure of the Lead Plane and Air Attack aircrews to communicate critical information and conflicting guidance concerning thunderstorm avoidance were cited as contributing factors. The aircraft (Air Force serial number 93-1458) was assigned to the 145th Airlift Wing, the North Carolina Air National Guard unit at Charlotte, and was based at Peterson AFB, Colorado, at the time. Four Airmen were killed and two injured in the mishap.
