The Air Force Times is reporting toxins leaking into cockpits may be poisoning F-22 pilots. Raptors remain grounded pending an investigation into the aircraft's oxygen generators.
Pilots at six of the seven bases in the United States that house F-22s have experienced "hypoxialike systems", according to Air Force Times reporter Dave Majumdar.
Majumdar began looking into problems with the F-22 fleet following last November's crash that killed Capt. Jeff Haney, a 525th Fighter Squadron pilot. Haney crashed near Denali, the U.S. Air Force is still conducting an investigation.
"Sources said that in Haney’s last few radio calls before his jet disappeared, he sounded drunk, a classic sign of hypoxia," according to the article.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Air Force was not available for comment on the issue today.
The U.S. Air Force grounded the planes in May. In a press release Maj. Gen. Gregory Feest, the Air Force Chief of Safety said, "The safety of our aircrews is paramount. The review is a prudent step to ensure that all potential technical, casual and contributory factors have been fully considered."
