RAAF Spartan ‘crash-lands’ in Waco Texas
The Royal Australian Air Force has commenced a safety investigation after a C-27J Spartan had an incident on landing during a routine training flight at Waco Airport, Texas, USA, this morning.
No one was injured in the incident.
MAIN CAPTION: A C-27J Spartan battlefield air lifter on display at Bathurst Airport during Lifeline’s Soar, Ride and Shine event on 15 May. Photo by Corporal Oliver Carter
Local news sources in Waco reporting overnight say the RAAF C-27J Spartan was involved in a serious incident that damaged the aircraft and the airport’s main runway, closing the airport to all other traffic for about 18 hours.
It is reported that two tyres blew out as the pilot made a landing after a training mission before 1am Tuesday local time.
The airport was closed and at least 180 American Eagle commuter passengers had their flights cancelled.
One local news source quoted an assistant Waco fire chief as saying the airplane had attempted a landing but may have touched down short of the runway and damaged two tyres.
Firefighters were dispatched to the incident when it happened but there was no fire and no one was injured.
In a statement, the RAAF thanked local airport, emergency services and security staff who assisted with the recovery and apologised for the inconvenience to other airfield users.
“The flight was a pilot-qualification flight for RAAF pilots converting to the new C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifter, flown alongside industry instructors,” a RAAF spokesman said.
“Air Force is purchasing 10 C-27J aircraft, of which two have been delivered to Australia.”
“Safety is a priority for Air Force operations.
“Air Force aircraft are serviced and flown under a very strict and controlled airworthiness and safety system.
“All aircraft are under constant surveillance to ensure that they maintain the highest standards.”
Another photo from Twitter…
Military airplane crash on runway at Waco Regional Airport. My flight cancelled. All survived, thankfully. pic.twitter.com/734an5AbHm
— Jason Reynolds (@JasonReynolds) May 17, 2016
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Maybe those airframes should go to Army Aviation……
Only purchasing 10 is shameful. A squadron is made up of 12 to 15 airframes. This is another example of stupidity coming from the ADF Procurement Branch.
Not Aussie spelling at all. American spelling.
Not Aussie spelling at all. American spelling ?
Only un hard landing in a side line undercarriage May cause this. Means that if the both tyres blow up in one side, the pilot may be involved
Brit / Aussie spelling…..
*tyres, not tires.
Correct and corrected.
Thanks Shane.