• A RAAF Spartan appears to have been involved in a hard landing at Waco, Texas during a pilot qualification flight. Credit: Defence
    A RAAF Spartan appears to have been involved in a hard landing at Waco, Texas during a pilot qualification flight. Credit: Defence
  • A RAAF C-27J Spartan on its side having reportedly blown two tyres after landing short of the runway. Credit: Paul J. Gately
    A RAAF C-27J Spartan on its side having reportedly blown two tyres after landing short of the runway. Credit: Paul J. Gately
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Updated 31st May

From Defence release:

The Royal Australian Air Force has commenced a safety investigation after a C-27J Spartan aircraft had an incident on landing at the conclusion of a routine training flight at Waco Airport, Texas, USA at approximately 12am (local US time).

No one was injured in the incident.

The runway was temporarily closed to other aircraft so that the C-27J Spartan could be moved. Air Force thanks local airport, emergency services and security staff who are assisting with the recovery and apologises for the inconvenience to other airfield users.

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.

The flight was a pilot qualification flight for RAAF pilots converting to the new C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifter, flown alongside industry instructors. Air Force is purchasing ten C-27J aircraft, of which two have been delivered to Australia.

Ends

Local news station KWTX reported that the aircraft had blown out two tyres and that the plane may have touched down short of the runway. City of Waco spokesman Larry Holze said the plane’s crew was "shooting touch-and-goes" at about 12:35 am on Tuesday night.

A RAAF C-27J Spartan on its side having reportedly blown two tyres after landing short of the runway. Credit: Paul J. GatelyA RAAF C-27J Spartan on its side having reportedly blown two tyres after landing short of the runway. Credit: Paul J. Gately

The plane was reported to be sitting on a runway, tilted to one side on Tuesday morning. 

On 27 May, ADM received the following coment from Air Force: "The C-27J Spartan is currently being assessed for repairs, which will determine the timeframes for return to flying. The safety investigation is also continuing".

 

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