RAAF Hawk hits Powerlines

Slezy9 · 13th August 2008, 09:42

Low-flying top gun's a real goose - National - smh.com.au

Quote:

Paul Bibby
August 13, 2008 - 4:39PM

An RAAF jet was forced to make an emergency landing on the NSW North Coast this morning after reportedly clipping powerlines.

The aircraft was one of two Hawks on a routine training run from Williamtown air base to Coffs Harbour airport, north of Newcastle, a defence department spokesman said.

"About 11am (AEST) one of the aircraft pilots declared an aircraft emergency and diverted to Coffs Harbour Airport to land," he said.

"One Hawk landed safely at 11.40am [and the] other has returned to Williamtown (near Newcastle)."

No one was injured in the incident.

The spokesman refused to confirm reports that the aircraft was damaged in the incident, but a witness saw two gashes on the left wing consistent with hitting powerlines.

A man who witnessed the emergency landing said he overheard police say the jet clipped overhead powerlines.

"They distinctly said over the radio that it had clipped powerlines,'' the witness, who asked not to be named, said.

"They said it circled over the ocean and dumped its fuel. A guy from the fire brigade said a Hornet jet was accompanying it to check that the landing gear was working.''

More than a dozen fire, ambulance and police vehicles - sirens wailing - were sent to the airport from around Coffs Harbour in preparation for the emergency landing.

Police also locked down a section of the Pacific Highway near the entrance to the airport.

The emergency service vehicles were not needed, as the jet made a safe landing and taxied back to the airport terminal.

Coffs Harbour police told local media that it was "against the law to publish pictures of RAAF aircraft'' - which was news to them, and probably news to many lawyers.

- with AAP

I would hate to be the one making the phone call to the boss. "Ah guess what Sir, I think I hit a powerline"

Capn Bloggs · 13th August 2008, 10:51

I know of a knuck who came back with a branch jammed in the leading edge of his pointy wing a few decades back!

Howabout · 13th August 2008, 11:22

Wouldn't have been you by any chance Bloggs?

PLovett · 13th August 2008, 12:33

I know of one (Hawk that is) that suffered some sort of malfunction
that required a diversion to Alice Springs. Before shutting down the pilot opened the canopy. All loose papers, maps etc. were immediately sucked out and straight down an intake. Aircraft required a full engine change rather than replacement of malfunctioning bit.

Clarie · 13th August 2008, 12:34

Must have been flying 15 feet too high.

Mick.B · 13th August 2008, 12:45

Pic at Low-flying top gun's a real goose - National - smh.com.au

Video at EMERGENCY LANDING OF RAAF HAWK : NBN

aussiepilot · 13th August 2008, 13:07

Seems to be a well handled emergency by a couple of boggies... no matter the cause.

ElPerro · 13th August 2008, 13:10

I'd like to see if their Nav strip map was updated with CHAD.

Capn Bloggs · 13th August 2008, 15:21

Quote:

Wouldn't have been you by any chance Bloggs?

I wish. The guy went places after that and made a name for himself flying BIG green tailed things.

Gundog01 · 13th August 2008, 22:24

Quote:

I'd like to see if their Nav strip map was updated with CHAD.

I would be very surprised if they even carry a Nav Strip map. Certainly didn't when i went through a couple of years ago. Usually just a stick map and an A3 overview map.

Prep Prep Prep.........

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