McConnell-led team responds to aircraft accident Published Oct. 24, 2014 By Senior Airman Trevor Rhynes 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Members of Team McConnell, with local emergency crews and a team from the Oklahoma Air National Guard responded when two F-16 Fighting Falcons collided in midair, Oct. 20 near Moline. The pilot of the downed aircraft was able to eject safely and was brought to McConnell for an evaluation. The other pilot was able to return land safely at the Tulsa International Airport, where the aircraft and pilots are assigned. Both pilots are now with their families. Local authorities secured the area, who then turned the scene over to Airmen from McConnell upon their arrival. The scene of the incident occurred more than an hour's drive away from the base. "The local responders definitely set us up for success by responding quickly and securing the scene until we could arrive," said Lt. Col. Brad Baugh, McConnell AFB's interim safety board president. "They've been great, and made our job easy so we can focus on piecing together what happened." Members of the Emergency Operations Center are also helping the team on site obtain a more clear picture of what happened. The EOC is made up by members of various functions, like logistics, communications and first responders, all in one place to ensure the recovery team has what they need. "We utilize emergency support functions from the instillation to provide 24-hour support to the incident location," said Tech. Sgt. Gavin Christiansen, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron EOC manager. "We coordinate personnel, equipment and transportation support for the interim safety board and the safety investigation board." Also aiding the investigation board are members of the recovery team, who are responsible for finding debris that will be used to piece together the scene for investigators. "We're helping prevent future incidents by investigating what went wrong during this flight," said Master Sgt. Carl Swartz, recovery team lead. "It's a rewarding feeling." McConnell's response was organized shortly after the accident, and since then has made it possible to execute the recovery as efficiently as possible. "Although this incident had the potential to be a tragedy, we were pleased to hear neither pilot was seriously injured," said Col. Joel Jackson, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "Within an hour, Team McConnell launched a force of highly trained and mission-ready Airmen from various Air Force specialties to secure the scene and control the incident. These Airmen displayed incredible professionalism and flexibility while executing a vital mission."