Air Force pilots in Ohio State-Iowa flyover flap punished

Putting on one spectacular aerial show for the fans in attendance at the Ohio State-Iowa game last November has cost one of the pilots his military career, the Des Moines Register is reporting.

Four Air Force pilots in T-38 fighter jets buzzed Kinnick Stadium in a planned flyover following the playing of the national anthem Nov. 20. The only problem? Per regulations, the jets were supposed to be at least 1,000 feet above ground level as they flew over the stadium. As it turns out, they weren’t even close to hitting that mark.

According to the investigation, the highest elevation of the stadium is at the northwest corner of the press box, which is 160 feet above ground level. Cedar Rapids Approach Control verified that the aircraft cleared the scoreboard, which is 118 feet above ground level by 58 feet and were 16 feet above the press box, which put them at 176 feet above ground level. That is well below the minimum 1,000 foot standard.

In fairness to the pilots, though, it was well above the maximum standard of awesomeness.

One of the pilots, Maj. Christopher Kopacek from the 25th Flying Training Squadron, has decided to “separate from the Air Force of his own accord” and has requested giving up his aeronautical rating. Unlike with Kopacek, who waived his right to privacy, the sanctions for the other three pilots involved in the incident were not disclosed. Those three, however, will remain in the Air Force.

In a press release, the Air Force revealed the four violations Kopacek was found to have committed:

-- Flying above the speed of 300 knots below 10,000 feet mean sea level for the practice flyover Nov. 19, 2010, and the actual flyover Nov. 20, 2010.

-- Flying over a congested area below 1,000 feet above ground level above the highest obstacle within 2,000 feet of the aircraft on Nov. 20, 2010.

-- Failing to verbally report the flight deviations to a supervisor or commander within 24 hours of the flight deviation and failing to make a detailed written record within 24 hours.

-- Making a false official statement to investigators during the course of the investigation.

A statement from an Air Force commander hints that this particular branch of the military totally gets it was a really cool flyover, but the whole safety thing forced their hand.

“While I understand that fans attending the game enjoyed the flyover, rules are in place to ensure everyone’s safety,” said Col. Russell Mack, 71st FTW Commander. “We appreciate the opportunity to perform flyovers and thank the University of Iowa for the chance to showcase our abilities. However, this was a serious breach of flight discipline and it was necessary to take administrative action against all of the members involved.”