AFP, Washington :
Errors by three airmen troubleshooting a nuclear missile in its launch silo in 2014 triggered a “mishap” that damaged the missile, causing the Air Force to withdraw the airmen’s nuclear certification and launch an accident investigation, officials said on Friday.
In a statement released to The Associated Press, the Air Force declined to provide key details or a copy of the report produced last year by an Accident Investigation Board, saying the information was classified as too sensitive to be made public.
Under the Air Force’s own regulations, Accident Investigation Board reports are supposed to be made public. The Air Force did release a brief summary to the AP after it sought answers about the mishap. The summary said the full report was classified on November 9, 2015, by General Robin Rand, the four-star general who commands Air Force nuclear forces.
The accident happened May 17, 2014, but the Air Force only explained the consequences on Friday after repeated inquiries by the AP starting in January 2015.
Errors by three airmen troubleshooting a nuclear missile in its launch silo in 2014 triggered a “mishap” that damaged the missile, causing the Air Force to withdraw the airmen’s nuclear certification and launch an accident investigation, officials said on Friday.
In a statement released to The Associated Press, the Air Force declined to provide key details or a copy of the report produced last year by an Accident Investigation Board, saying the information was classified as too sensitive to be made public.
Under the Air Force’s own regulations, Accident Investigation Board reports are supposed to be made public. The Air Force did release a brief summary to the AP after it sought answers about the mishap. The summary said the full report was classified on November 9, 2015, by General Robin Rand, the four-star general who commands Air Force nuclear forces.
The accident happened May 17, 2014, but the Air Force only explained the consequences on Friday after repeated inquiries by the AP starting in January 2015.
