COLLATERAL INVESTIGATION 22 DEC 90

File: 980715_may96_sagwi1_0025.txt
Page: 0025
Total Pages: 61
Subject = COLLATERAL INVESTIGATION   22 DEC 90                            

Box ID = BX001415

Folder title = COLLATERAL INVESTIGATION 2                                                                      

Unit = 24TH ID     

Parent = XVIII CORPS 

         





                  5 U.S.C. 552 (b)(6)
         
                                    CERTIFICATE
         
         
                           make the following statement under oath: On the
         morning of the 4th we started having problems with the tank. The engine
         oil and the engine trans light was on. the tank lost power and we shut
         the tank off. We then cranked it back up and everything was fine again.
         Until we stopped and the trans started acting up again. It wouldn't go
         into gear. Then the mechanic, ~check it out. He said the
         filters for the trans is clogg~T~~r poured water on the fan and this
         was suppose to unclogged them. We let it cool for a while and tried it
         again still nothing. There was a bolt hung up in the steering gear or
         something. He got it out, but the trans was still acting up.
         
             The next morning he worked on it again. We got it fixed. Then we
         continued to the new Alpha Alpha because the other element had left us
         behind. We made it back and the oil and trans light over temp was on
         again. We had trouble after that too with the trans. It wouldn't go in
         gear again. Then~ an a test on it. He said we need a
         transmission. I a to im this earlier. If we let it cool we might
         could make it back, but no stopping. So we let it cool about 2 hrs and
         started back.
         
             On our way back the lights came on again. We stopped for a 30 mm
         brake. I instructed the TO we need to cut the engine off. The gunner
         insisted we leave it running. So they called the mechanic over and he
         said it would be best to leave it running. So we left it running. They
         (mechanic and did something in the back to make the trans oil
         temp light go off. Se we continued.
         
             On our way back to our old Alpha Alpha we ran into more problems.
         The TO asked me how was the tank doing. I said it was running real hot.
         We continued. We ran into more problems. The steering was acting up.
         I could hardly turn. Then we got almost to the beach club and the engine
         or trans lost power. The tank was weak. I told the TO we then called up
         the XO and told them we could not refuel we was having major problems.
         We headed for the Alpha Alpha. Steering was almost lost completely. We
         got in the Alph Alpha and the tank aborted shut down on its own). The
         TO and gunner left the tank. Me and ~was on the tank when I
         saw the smoke out of the grill doors. I could see no flames or anything,
         but the smoke made me think or suspect fire. I jumped off the tank and
         looked in the exhaust for flames or light, nothing. I listened with my
         ear. I heard burning. I told IT Grauel. he started looking for the
         portable fire extinguisher in the tank I grabbed the one in the TO
         sponsor box and gave it to him. I pulled the first shot from the dur's
         hole. I then went back to listen because still no light or flames. I
         heard burning still I pull the second shot. Still burning. I traversed
         over the side and open the pipe cleaner doors, still I could not find
         fire or flames anywhere. So I ran to get the mechanics and the TO. We
         all ran back to the tank and a lot of other personal from the company was
         
         
         
                                                          5 U.S.C. 552(bM6)
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