Whiteman Air Force Base Jet Hits Cable Over Stockton Lake

A jet from Whiteman Air Force Base hit two protective cables over Stockton Lake Wednesday afternoon. Danielle Johnston, a spokeswoman for the Air Force Reserves' 442nd Fighter Wing -- said one of two planes hit the cables near Bona and returned safely to the base in West-Central Missouri with the uninjured pilot. She added an investigation is underway. The Army Corps-of-Engineers worked with the Water Patrol Division of the Missouri State Highway Patrol to keep boaters away from the submerged cables. Corps spokesman Dave Kolarik said the jet hit and severed "static" cables above three power lines owned by the KAMO Electric Co-Op, based at Vinita, Oklahoma. Static cables do not carry power but help protect power transmission lines from lightning and other hazards. Power to the three transmission lines was turned off while KAMO Electric determined how to make the appropriate repairs.