Information Regarding the 12/8/08 University City Military Jet Crash
Updated 9/28/09
On December 8th, 2008 our community was shocked by the devastation from the crash of a U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D in a residential neighborhood in south University City.
My heart goes out to the family that suffered the devastating loss of a grandparent, a wife and two small children.
My thoughts are also with those neighbors who were uprooted by damage to their homes and evacuations. I want to thank the community for its cooperation with military and emergency personnel. I understand that an influx of crews can be extremely disruptive, but I hope that we can count on your forbearance and understanding until their jobs are finished.
With a disaster such as this, it is possible that the debris field extends beyond the range of the crash site. If you come across something that you suspect might be a piece of debris from the accident, please leave it where you have found it and contact the United States Marine Corps at (858) 577-1727. This investigation could help prevent tragedies in the future.
Please visit the United States Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Web page for information regarding the crash.
If my staff or I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at (619) 236-6611 or (858) 484-3808, or via e-mail SherriLightner@sandiego.gov.
Sincerely,
Statement from Sherri Lightner on her March 3, 2009 Briefing
"Marine officials briefed me this morning on the investigation of the University City jet crash. They have concluded that the tragic crash was caused by a series of errors related to mechanical problems and a failure to follow communication procedures. The responsible Marine officers have been relieved of command and training procedures are being changed. We are working with the affected families, the community, and officials to help rebuild and ensure the area is free from contamination. We are continuing to update the website with additional information, which will be posted shortly. Please call our office if you have any questions or if you would like more information. (619) 236-6611."
Cleanup
September 28, 2009 Update:
The Marines announced their completion of the clean-up at the University City jet crash site on April 3, 2009. The County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health has approved the Marine's clean-up response. Documents related to the clean-up effort are posted below.
March 16, 2009 Update:
Cleanup at the crash site was completed during the week of March 16th after the Marines removed the final soil contaminated by jet fuel. All samples taken from the area surrounding the spill have now come back clean. Councilmember Lightner has posted to her website a Frequently Asked Questions document (PDF: 46K) prepared by the County Department of Environmental Health, which addresses a number of questions related to cleanup at the crash site. (Please note that the answer to question number six is can be updated to state that final removal of jet fuel contaminated soil occurred during the week of March 16th.) The County Department of Environmental Health is preparing a final report on the site cleanup, which will be public. Estimates are that the report will be available by the end of April, 2009. Councilmember Lightner looks forward to making it available on her website at that time. County Department of Environmental Health officials have assured Councilmember Lightner that they will not sign-off on the site without being completely confident that there is no threat to public health.
Previous Cleanup Measures:
The Marines conducted soil sampling at the crash site for arsenic, antimony, barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, silver, thallium, vanadium, zinc, recoverable petroleum hydrocarbons (from JP-5 jet fuel), asbestos, and polychlorinated biphenyls. Testing found a detectable amount of petroleum hydrocarbon at 4406 Cather Ave. Hydrocarbons come from JP-5 fuel, which is used in the F-18. The Marines worked with the County Department of Environmental Health on a plan for continued sampling and mitigation, in order to ensure that they left the site in compliance with County standards. The mitigation plan that was implemented involved removal and replacement of contaminated soil, and continued testing until all soil samples were within limits. In addition to testing at the crash site, testing was also done at the following addresses: 4426 Cather, 4360 Huggins, 4370 Huggins, 4371 Huggins, 4380 Huggins, 4381 Huggins, and 4390 Huggins.
Aggressive air monitoring in the area found no concentrations of airborne heavy metals, asbestos, or crystalline silica dusts. Directly after the incident, the atmosphere in and around the area was found to be well within the normal levels for hazards associated with residential structure fires. The primary hazards were slightly higher than normal levels of CO in the debris area and less than 2 ppm of hydrogen cyanide, detected directly in the debris of the burning houses. Both of these are common products of combustion during structure fires, and the levels returned to normal atmospheric levels within approximately six hours of the incident. The area within an approximately one quarter mile radius was monitored throughout the duration of the incident and found to be within normal atmospheric levels.
Investigations
The military is conducting two ongoing investigations.
- JAG Manual Investigation
This is a legal investigation who's purpose is to determine accountability. The Commanding General of the 3rd Aircraft Wing has designated a Colonel, two Lieutenant Colonels, and a Major as the investigating team. Of this team, three are Naval aviators and two are F-18 pilots. They will submit their completed investigation to the Commanding General, who will either accept it or send it back for further investigation. This investigation was completed in late February 2009. Councilmember Lightner and the media were briefed on the results of this investigation on March 3, 2009, and the results of the report were widely reported.
- Aircraft Mishap Investigation
The purpose of this investigation is to identify the cause of the accident. This investigation is headed by a Brigadier General F-18 pilot from outside the area (in this instance, Hawaii.) The investigation group includes representatives from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Air Group 16, and the squadron, as well as outside members including representatives from the Naval Safety Center in Norfolk, VA, and a Navy Captain from the Naval Air Forces staff at Coronado, CA. Their task is to ensure we find out what happened and to make sure it never happens again. The investigation is non-disciplinary and non-punitive in action. The report usually takes 60-90 days to complete, but the time it takes depends on the amount of engineering analysis that needs to be done on aircraft components. This report is distributed all the way up the Marine chain of command, including Marine Corps headquarters, and to every organization that is involved in the investigation.
Donations
A memorial has been established for the Yoon family. Checks should be made out to Dong Yun Yoon and sent to him at the following address.
Korean United Methodist Church
3520 Mount Acadia Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111
For more information, please contact the Korean United Methodist Church of San Diego at (858) 569-4069.
The University City Community Association, UCCA, will provide a way for those who wish to give a helping hand to the family who lost their home and the family whose damaged home had to be vacated. Target, Macy's, Sears or WalMart gift cards of any denomination may be sent to the following address.
UCCA – Families
3368 Governor Dr., #121
San Diego, CA 92122
The gift cards will be given to the two families. No cash or checks, please. E-mail Carole Pietras at caroleucca@sbcglobal.net if you have questions or know of other families directly affected by the crash who need assistance.
Donations also may be made to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which was used to provide assistance in this disaster.
Pilot
The pilot involved in this crash is doing well physically. He has not returned to flight status.
Community Meetings
Councilmember Lightner has convened two University City community meetings regarding the plane crash. The first took place on December 11, 2008 at University City High School. The second took place on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at Standley Middle School in University City.
E-mail Updates
If you would like join an e-mail list to receive updates regarding this incident, please send e-mail to Jesse Mays at jmays@sandiego.gov with your name, e-mail, phone number, and address.
|
Sign up for E-newsletter
|
