An engine test conducted on a U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft caused significant damage to an airport surface in Alaska, tearing apart a large ?????? of asphalt and sending debris flying across the airfield. The incident, which occurred in July at Fairbanks International Airport, left a repair bill of over $147,000 but did not result in damage to the aircraft or injuries to personnel.
The aircraft involved was a KC-46A Pegasus assigned to the New Hampshire Air National Guard, which had landed in Alaska after reporting abnormal engine vibrations during a return flight from Yokota Air Base. A formal investigation into the incident was released months later, outlining the sequence of events and technical causes, according to Task & Purpose.
Maintenance crews conducted a series of high-power engine tests over several days to diagnose the issue. These tests involved running the aircraft’s engines at up to 83 percent power for intervals of 20 to 30 minutes, replicating conditions similar to takeoff. In total, 10 such tests were carried out, accumulating roughly eight hours of sustained high-temperature exhaust directed at the pavement.
Investigators found that the prolonged exposure to extreme heat and exhaust velocity, reaching temperatures of approximately 1,170 degrees Fahrenheit, degraded the sealant binding the asphalt. During the tenth test, a section of pavement measuring roughly 25 by 25 feet dislodged and broke apart, scattering debris as far as 100 feet behind the aircraft and across a wide ?????? of the airfield.
The investigation, led by Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Raynor, concluded that the damage was caused by persistent high temperatures combined with repeated engine exhaust. The report noted that while the surface met inspection standards for routine aircraft parking, it was not designed to withstand prolonged exposure to high-power engine testing.
No fault was assigned to the maintenance personnel conducting the tests, and the aircraft itself did not sustain damage. The crew had previously identified significant engine vibration issues during flight, prompting the need for on-ground diagnostics. A specialized maintenance team was deployed from McConnell Air Force Base to carry out the inspection and testing procedures after weather conditions allowed.
The KC-46A Pegasus is among the newest aerial refueling platforms in the U.S. Air Force fleet, with around 100 units currently in service. The aircraft is a military adaptation of the Boeing 767 and plays a key role in extending the operational range of other aircraft through mid-air refueling.
The incident also highlights operational considerations when conducting high-power engine tests outside specialized facilities. While Eielson Air Force Base is located near Fairbanks, the aircraft had diverted to the civilian airport, which regularly accommodates large cargo and military aircraft but may lack infrastructure designed for extended engine testing at maximum output.
Fairbanks has long served as a strategic refueling stop due to its geographic position between North America and Asia. However, the findings from this incident suggest that even well-equipped facilities may face limitations when exposed to prolonged, high-intensity aircraft operations.
