Valerie Insinna on Twitter: "Interesting thoughts on why that f-35 panel may have ripped off. (Thanks to all who share info like this btw; you make me smarter.) https://t.co/VlzgBlcLHf" / Twitter

Interesting thoughts on why that f-35 panel may have ripped off. (Thanks to all who share info like this btw; you make me smarter.)

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Gripen News

@GripenNews

Dec 5, 2017

Replying to @Aviation_Intel and @ValerieInsinna

Looks like ground crew missed either all or some of the 10 locking pins.. my guess then, telescopic arm (A) extended in flight, panel act as a sail. Arm and hinges ripped off only leaving hinge B hanging. It happens..

4:44 AM · Dec 5, 2017 from Arlington, VA

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sounds like ground crewmen/maintainers are going to be in some trouble from what I've read about it/the potential causes.

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Reminds me of the time the USAF lost an F-16 because ground crew forgot to wire in a cotter pin. 😕

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This is when social media has one of its rare moments to shine

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