T-3

From USAFA Folklore

The T-3A Firefly is the military variant of the Slingsby T-67M, a two-seat aerobatic training aircraft, built by Slingsby Aviation in Kirkbymoorside, Yorkshire, England. Although operated successfully in the United Kingdom and Canada, the program ended in disaster in the United States because of several fatal crashes, and problems with engine failures.

The Firefly was selected in 1992 to replace the T-41 aircraft for the Enhanced Flight Screening Program, which would include aerobatic maneuvers. From 1993 to 1995, 113 aircraft were purchased and delivered to Hondo, Texas, and the Academy. The Air Education and Training Command commander stood down the entire T-3A fleet in July 1997 as a result of uncommanded engine stoppages during flight and ground operations. A major factor driving the decision were the three T-3 Class A mishaps in 1995, 1996 and 1997. Three Air Force Academy cadets and three instructors were killed in T-3A crashes attributed to spin recovery procedures and engine malfunctions.

The British-built planes had been purchased for $32 million, and $10 million was spent on fixes to make them airworthy after grounding. The Air Force found the cost of getting the aircraft or any of the aircraft's components in airworthy condition for resale was prohibitive and , in September 1999, the chief of staff of the Air Force approved termination of the T-3A EFSP, and AETC declared all T-3A aircraft excess to the command's needs. In 2000, the CSAF requested a new mission be found for the T-3A; however, a study completed in 2002 did not recommend a follow-on mission.[1] The remaining T-3A aircraft were stored without maintenance at the Academy and at the Hondo Airport. In the 2002-03, the 53 aircraft at the Academy were disassembled, crated and trucked to Hondo.[2] On September 9, 2006, it was announced the remaining 53 (114 were originally purchased) T-3 aircraft, which had been declared in excess need for over 6 years, would be scrapped.[3]

(Some info adapted from en.wikipedia.org)