James Michael Fisher, a former propulsion engineer at Robins Air Force Base, has been arrested in Portugal on charges related to obstructing the investigation of a 2017 military plane crash that killed 16 U.S. service members. The crash, involving a Marine Corps KC-130 aircraft known as “Yanky 72,” occurred near Itta Bena, Miss., on July 10, 2017, resulting in the deaths of 15 Marines and one Navy Corpsman.
Fisher, 67, formerly of Warner Robins, Ga., is accused of hiding key engineering documents and making false statements about his engineering decisions at the time of the crash. He faces charges of making two false statements and two counts of obstruction of justice, which could lead to a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted.
The indictment also highlighted a significant discovery by federal investigators: correspondence from a maintenance technician supervisor who suggested removing a time-consuming inspection process from protocols. Specifically, an email dated August 19, 2011, from Fisher indicated his agreement to omit penetrant inspections—a crucial method for detecting flaws in propeller blades. According to federal authorities, Fisher actively obstructed the investigation by withholding documents that demonstrated his pivotal role in eliminating this vital inspection procedure and lying to federal agents to conceal his actions.
The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner of the Northern District of Mississippi, along with officials from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The case highlights ongoing efforts to ensure accountability in military operations and accidents.