Pilots forced to eject from Super Hornet at Amberley

Two air crew in a F/A-18F – CONTACT fan confirming by tail number it wasn’t a Growler – were forced to eject from their jet during a takeoff roll at RAAF Base Amberley earlier today.

Channel 9 News report screengrab.

Several news agencies are reporting the incident, with video footage showing two crew parachutes landing simultaneously while their aircraft continued to roll, off the runway, across the grass margins, until its front undercarriage collapsed.

The same media outlets are also reporting that ADF issued a brief statement saying it could confirm that an incident involving an Air Force aircraft occurred at RAAF Base Amberley.

“The aircrew of that aircraft are safe and no other personnel were involved in the incident,” the Defence statement said.

“Defence’s first priority is the safety of personnel at RAAF Base Amberley.

“Defence will provide more information once the immediate actions associated with the incident are completed.

“The cause of the incident is not known at this time and will be subject to investigation.”

Both Channel 9 and Channel 7 are showing the same footage – both claiming “EXCLUSIVE” 😉

 

UPDATE 12 December: Still no official word from Defence through usual channels on this incident – just one brief message on the RAAF’s Facebook page…

 

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