[Former Proud Canadian]

This was about a lot more than running out of fuel. The turbulence during re-fueling caused the basket to be ripped off. This disabled the fuel pumps so he couldn't use all his fuel. Diverting to Kandahar was discouraged because of command decisions. He was ordered to divert to another land field too late. Then the pilot squandered his emergency power and couldn't lower his landing gear.

I count two pilot errors, that might have been the result of poor training. I also count two command errors. So, who is at fault? The command authority, the training system, or the pilot?

My take? I am appalled at the command decisions and the lack of pilot knowledge of the aircraft due to lack of training.

[virgil283]

"turbulence during re-fueling caused the basket to be ripped off. This disabled the fuel pumps so he couldn't use all his fuel."

....I think you are right. This is a very complex AC but the fouled refuel probe should have been recognized immediately as a danger ...

[tophat9000]

I would agree they seem to jerk him around on the late divert. .but rule of thumb if you got a problem land at your closest airfield and land on land not the carrier. The pilot made multiple bad calls with putting him that the coffin corner