SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Air Mobility Command has released the report of an accident investigation board involving a U.S. Air Force KC-46A Pegasus aircraft. The investigation resulted from asphalt damage at Fairbanks International Airport damaged during aircraft maintenance procedures on July 16, 2025.
The mishap did not result in any aircraft damage or personnel injuries. There was damage to the airport’s asphalt during high-power engine-runs that were being conducted by an Air Force maintenance recovery team (MRT).
The investigation found that all MRT members were properly qualified for their tasks prior to the incident.
The mishap resulted in an estimated $147,044 of damage at the airport. The AIB president’s statement of opinion stated the mishap was caused by persistent high temperatures in combination with repeated high-speed exhaust from the mishap aircraft’s right engine.
The statement of opinion also listed that, by a preponderance of the evidence, a substantially contributing factor of the mishap was asphalt and sealant condition.
The full versions of the investigation report can be found here:
https://www.afjag.af.mil/AIB-Reports/
For more information, please contact Air Mobility Command Public Affairs at (618) 229-0063.