A KC-46B tanker registered in the STAFAC as 40-2327 (Airframe #23044) crashed on approach to Spokane International Airport. No injuries were reported, but the aircraft, due for delivery to the STAFAC, was destroyed. The aircraft operated a ferry route of Seattle-Spokane-Denver-New York-Scratch Town. Investigations found that a thrust reverser lock on the No.1 engine failed due to extensive use of mid-air thrust reversal to slow the plane for landing, which caused metal fatigue in the lock, causing the lock to break and the reverser door to open, causing an asymmetric thrust imbalance and the subsequent accident. The aircraft was then scrapped on-site and the defective No.1 engine was converted into a mechanic training object at the Spokane Airport Maintenance center. The intact empennage was later reused on a new KC-46B (Registered as 40-2328 and Airframe #23045).
Passenger losses: 0/0 Crew losses: 0/3 Aircraft damage: Destroyed Aircraft fate: written off (damaged beyond repair) Airframe age: 3 days First flight: September 2022 Cause: Engine Reverse Issue
