HONOLULU (AP) — The Air Combat Command says an oxygen deficit involving an F-22 stealth fighter in Hawaii was a mechanical failure and not the malfunctions other pilots experienced last year.
The July 6 incident was the first time a Hawaii F-22 pilot experienced hypoxia, or oxygen deprivation. The nation's F-22 fighter jets were grounded for four months last year after pilots complained of experiencing a lack of oxygen that can cause dizziness and blackouts.
The command, based in Langley, Va., says the recent onboard oxygen generating system failure also is not specific to the F-22 aircraft.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports (http://ow.ly/ch9VV) that a command spokesman says an investigation is under way and the aircraft hasn't been returned to service.
A Langley pilot also experienced a similar malfunction during training last month.
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Information from: Honolulu Star-Advertiser, http://www.staradvertiser.com
