KC-46A boom damage linked to operator and F-22 errors
By The BriefBrief
A U.S. Air Force investigation found incorrect boom-operator inputs and F-22 pilot misjudgment caused a July 2025 mishap.
WHO:U.S. Air Force Accident Investigation Board
WHAT:Investigation identified incorrect manual control inputs by a KC-46A boom operator and an F-22A pilot not accounting for the boom’s characteristics as causes of severe boom damage.
WHEN:Jun 16, 2026 at 7:20 PM ET
WHERE:Atlantic Ocean
WHY:Incorrect manual control inputs and the F-22A pilot not accounting for the other aircraft’s stiff boom characteristics led to a nozzle binding event and boom strike.
Reporting from 1 identified publisher for this event.
