Thread: T3A Firefly
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Old September 17th 12, 11:38 PM posted to alt.binaries.pictures.aviation
Richard[_8_]
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Default T3A Firefly

T67M260-T3A Firefly

Certified on 15 December 1993 the last military version of the T67
family was the T67M260-T3A, of which the entire production run of 114
were purchased by the United States Air Force where it was known as the
T-3A. The T-3A was basically the T67M260 with the addition of air
conditioning. Although the US media claimed the aircraft was to blame
after the 3 accidents, no engine stoppages or vapour-lock problems with
the fuel system were found during very thorough tests at Edwards AFB.
Indeed it was discovered that the instructors came from large transport
flying backgrounds with little or no aerobatic experience. This combined
with thinner air at the higher density altitude airfields meant spin
recovery was delayed or wrong techniques used. Parachutes were another
factor. Sadly, following these accidents, the fleet was grounded and
stored without maintenance until being destroyed in 2007.
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