By Maj. Robert Tifft
H-1 Program Officer

Daniel Crutchfield, an airframe quality assurance specialist, has been awarded the Cherry Point Naval Air Depot Safety Professional of the Month award for June.

Crutchfield was nominated for his sharp eye and attention to detail during a recent inspection of an AH-1W Super Cobra main transmission, from which he may have prevented a catastrophic aircraft mishap.

As a member of the H-1 Program Quality Assurance Office, Crutchfield and several other inspectors were examining the transmission for possible water damage. While searching for the source of the water access, Crutchfield demonstrated his ability to “think out of the box” when his keen eye detected two unusual cracks in the debris shield at the very top of the transmission. Upon further investigation, the cracks appeared to be caused by a potential manufacturing defect that extended around the rim of the shield.

A subsequent engineering inspection confirmed that it was a probable manufacturing defect. The transmission was scheduled for replacement for a combination of water damage and the potential dangerous consequences of the cracks in the shield.

Crutchfield is a 13-year aircraft maintenance veteran, 10 of which were here at the depot.

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Cutline: Daniel Crutchfield was named the June Aviation Safety Professional of the Month for his sharp eye and attention to detail while inspecting a Cobra main transmission. (Photo by Mike Barton)