The crash of a Lockheed Martin F-117 stealth fighter near Baltimore, Maryland, was probably caused by a maintenance error, according to the US Air Force's accident investigation. The crash occurred as the F-117 was participating in a local air show on 14 September. After a portion of the left wing broke off, the aircraft rolled left and pitched up violently, causing separation of the aircraft's nose. The pilot ejected safely. Investigators concluded that USAF technicians apparently failed to re-install four fasteners in a wing support structure when the aircraft was repaired at the beginning of 1996.
Source: Flight International
