Command: F-22 flaw not related to 2011 issues
Monday - 7/16/2012, 3:37pm EDT
HONOLULU (AP) - The Air Combat Command says an oxygen deficit involving an F-22 stealth fighter in Hawaii was a mechanical failure and not the malfunctions other pilots experienced last year.
The July 6 incident was the first time a Hawaii F-22 pilot experienced hypoxia, or oxygen deprivation. The nation's F-22 fighter jets were grounded for four months last year after pilots complained of experiencing a lack of oxygen that can cause dizziness and blackouts.
The command, based in Langley, Va., says the recent onboard oxygen generating system failure also is not specific to the F-22 aircraft.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports ( http://ow.ly/ch9VV) that a command spokesman says an investigation is under way and the aircraft hasn't been returned to service.
A Langley pilot also experienced a similar malfunction during training last month.
___
Information from: Honolulu Star-Advertiser, http://www.staradvertiser.com
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)



