Overview
- The Air Force investigation released in March 2026 concludes persistent heat and repeated exhaust from the KC‑46A’s right engine degraded asphalt sealant and caused the pavement to lift.
- During maintenance checks at Fairbanks International Airport in July 2025, the tenth high‑power engine run dislodged roughly 25‑by‑25‑foot pavement blocks and scattered debris up to 100 feet.
- Investigators say the maintenance team followed procedure and made no errors, and they note the tanker was not damaged and the aircrew were not present during the tests.
- Engine runs reached about 83% power for 20 to 30 minutes per cycle, and crews ran both engines to avoid uneven forces, producing exhaust temperatures near 1,170 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The report says the ramp surface met inspection standards for parking use but was not built to endure hours of hot, high‑velocity exhaust, with repair costs at Fairbanks put at about $147,044, as KC‑46 operations face wider scrutiny after recent refueling mishaps.