Hercules Lands Safely After Engine Fire

An Air Force Hercules made an emergency landing last night after the aircraft experienced an in-flight fire.

The starboard outer engine was shut down after the crew noticed a fuel leak which led to an engine fire. Two fire extinguishers were used but were initially unable to control the fire. The captain then began a descent to starve the blaze.

The Hercules landed safely in Tontouta, New Caledonia.

" The fact the two fire bottles did not extinguish the fire presented an unusual situation. The standard procedure to extinguish the fire by increased airflow in a descent was carried out appropriately. The Air Force Hercules' crew acted with skill and professionalism in a very tense situation and brought the aircraft and passengers down safely. Well Done" Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Graham Lintott, said today.

A second Hercules will depart from Whenuapai for Tontouta today carrying maintenance personnel and a replacement engine. It is likely the Hercules will remain in New Caledonia for several days.

An investigation will be undertaken to determine the cause of the fuel leak and fire.

The Hercules was transporting 33 Army engineers home from the Solomon Islands where they had been undertaking civic aid tasks as part of Exercise Tropic Twilight.

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