|
Air Force: Mysterious jet crash a suicide
October 24, 1997
Web posted at: 9:49 p.m. EDT (0149 GMT)From CNN's Chris Plante
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Air Force investigators have concluded that Capt. Craig Button, whose A-10 jet mysteriously crashed in the Colorado Rockies after breaking away from formation during a training run in April, probably committed suicide.
CNN has learned that in a report due out Monday, military investigators are calling the incident a case of "spontaneous" or "unpremeditated" suicide, largely because they ruled out any other explanation for the crash.
However, investigators found no evidence Button was contemplating suicide prior to the crash. He did not get his affairs in order or leave letters for family, or give any indication he was depressed.
A report that he had received a distressing phone call from a family member that morning was found to be not true, Air Force sources said.
On April 2, Button was piloting an A-10 Thunderbolt jet during a training mission over the Arizona desert when he left formation and disappeared, breaking off radio contact. The jet was later found crashed into a mountainside near Eagle, Colorado, with Button's remains inside.
Four 500-pound bombs that were on the jet at the time have never been recovered.
In the report, investigators conclude that there were no maintenance problems with the plane, no mechanical failure and no evidence of a bird strike that might have disabled the jet.
The Air Force also doesn't believe Button was trying to steal the plane. In fact, on the morning of the crash, he indicated he was excited about going out on his first live bombing run in the A-10.
But investigators have also concluded that Button was not disabled -- by a brain aneurysm, a lack of oxygen or some other medical reason -- because of evidence that he was still in control and maneuvering the plane prior to the crash.
There was also no evidence that alcohol or drugs might have played a role in the crash.
Related stories:
- Air Force ends search for bombs near April A-10 crash site - September 16, 1997
- A-10 crash investigators focus on mystery call - July 25, 1997
- Bombs still missing as crews recover downed A-10 - July 9, 1997
- Searchers recover remains of A-10 pilot crashed in Colorado - July 7, 1997
- Air Force begins recovery of crashed A-10 - July 7, 1997
Related sites:
Note: Pages will open in a new browser window
- Air Force finds wreckage of missing A-10 - Air Force Press Release
- U.S. Air Force - A-10 Fact Sheet
- A-10 Warthog Homepage - Major Ed Walker
External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.
Sound off on our
message boards
You said it...
© 1997 Cable News Network, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.Terms under which this service is provided to you.