KC-135 Tanker Jet Crash at Iowa Airport – No Injuries Reported
A KC-135 Stratotanker, an aerial refueling jet operated by the Iowa Air National Guard, experienced a crash-landing at a Sioux City runway on a Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred when the aircraft’s front landing gear failed to deploy, as confirmed by the Air Force in an official statement.
Fortunately, there were five airmen from Iowa’s 185th Air Refueling Wing aboard the flight at the time of the incident, and thankfully, none of them sustained any injuries.
The crew was engaged in practicing touch-and-go landings at Sioux Gateway Airport as part of a local training mission. These maneuvers involve pilots practicing take-offs, circling back, and briefly landing before ascending again.
The crash resulted in damage to the aircraft’s nose, which scraped along the ground during the landing. However, the remainder of the jet remained unharmed.
The exact cause of the landing gear failure, whether due to mechanical malfunction or human error, remains unclear. An investigation into the incident is currently underway by the Air Force.
Following the mishap, Sioux City Fire Rescue and Air Force crash recovery and safety teams swiftly responded to the scene. As a precaution, the airport’s main runway was temporarily closed while efforts were made to relocate the tanker.
It’s noteworthy that landing gear-related mishaps are not uncommon in the Air Force, with several such incidents recorded each year. These incidents typically fall under the category of “Class C” mishaps, causing damages ranging from $60,000 to $600,000, as per accident data from 2022.
To add context, it’s important to mention that the 185th Air Refueling Wing had temporarily suspended flying operations at the Sioux City airport due to an extensive construction project aimed at replacing parts of the runway. However, regular military missions resumed at the location in November 2022.
The KC-135 Stratotanker is a military aircraft that can refuel other planes in mid-air. It was developed by Boeing in the 1950s from the Boeing 367-80 prototype, which also led to the Boeing 707 airliner. The KC-135 has a narrower and shorter body than the 707, and can carry up to 200,000 pounds (90,000 kg) of fuel. The KC-135 has been used by the United States Air Force and other allied air forces for various missions, such as extending the range and endurance of fighter jets and bombers, transporting troops and cargo, and performing reconnaissance and surveillance.
The KC-135 is one of the oldest aircraft in service with the US Air Force, but it has been upgraded several times with new engines, avionics, and structural improvements. The KC-135 is expected to be partially replaced by the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus in the future
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, airforcetimes.com