LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. (USTCNS) --- The Article 32 hearing investigating charges against a 61st Airlift Squadron pilot ended Oct. 19.
The hearing investigated charges against Capt. Darron A. Haughn, C-130E aircraft commander, in a Dec. 10, 1999, accident at Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait. Three airmen were killed and seven were injured when the C-130E he piloted impacted the ground short of the Al Jaber runway.
Haughn is charged with violating Article 92, dereliction of duty, and Article 134, negligent homicide, of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The hearing was conducted under Article 32 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice to inquire into the truth of the matters set forth in the charges, consider the form of the charges to ensure that they are consistent with and conform to the evidence presented, and make recommendations as to the disposition of the case in the interest of justice, good order and discipline.
During the hearing, which took four days, government representatives called 21 witnesses to the stand and the defense called two witnesses. Both sides had the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses.
"Lt. Col. Pavlik, the Article 32 investigating officer, has approximately two weeks to prepare a report of the investigation, which includes his recommended course of action, to Brig. Gen. Paul Fletcher, 314th Airlift Wing commander, the special court-martial convening authority who appointed him," said Air Mobility Command spokesperson, Capt. Jeff Glenn.
"A copy of Lt. Col. Pavlik's report will also be provided to the defense counsel, who have five days upon receipt of the report to submit any objections or comments on the report to Brig. Gen. Fletcher," said Glenn.
Fletcher will then decide whether or not the charges against Haughn will be dismissed, addressed through action short of court-martial or forwarded to Maj. Gen. George N. Williams, 21st Air Force commander, for general court-martial consideration. Williams is the general court-martial convening authority for the case.
A special court-martial is an intermediate-level court, while a general court-martial is reserved for the most serious offenses.
"General Fletcher is allowed as much time as necessary to review the recommendation of the investigating officer and the remainder of the Article 32 report, before making his decision on the next course of action," said Glenn. (FROM AIR MOBILITY COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS).
