Crew chief safety: award of distinction

SSgt Magnuson is Beale's lead dedicated crew chief for the U-2S "Dragon Lady" aircraft. SSgt Magnuson is responsible for mentoring and molding all newly assigned and less experienced crew chiefs on performing sound, competent maintenance. He exemplifies the "safety is paramount" mentality in all aspects of daily maintenance activity. He clearly demonstrated this skill when he identified a warped fifth stage engine bleed air clamp in extremely close proximity to a major hydraulic pressure line during a training session. Further investigation revealed this warping was caused during an engine installation as the engine was rolled forward; the variable Inlet Guide Vane (IGV) ring had contacted the clamp stud. Had SSgt Magnuson overlooked the clamp during his training session, it may have failed during the next flight, possibly causing a hydraulic fire in the engine bay. Without a fire suppression system, the U-2's flight control system and engine bay would have been engulfed in flames, with catastrophic results. SSgt Magnuson recalled reading a safety report of the 1996 U-2 Class A Functional Check Flight mishap where a hydraulic pressure line and bleed air duct failed resulting in an airborne hydraulic fire, destroying the aircraft and fatally injuring the pilot and a civilian. SSgt Magnuson alerted the aircraft maintenance unit's supervisor and led the investigation with specialists assigned to him. After analyzing the clamp, it was determined that the damage was beyond repair and required immediate replacement. The IGV ring sustained negligible damage and did not have to be replaced. SSgt Magnuson's steady persistence and management of the entire operation prevented unnecessary replacement of the $3.7M engine. His commitment to mishap prevention and in-depth maintenance knowledge prevented the loss of life and safeguarded a national asset.

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SSgt Todd A. Magnuson, 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale AFB, Calif.

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