Hercules Lands Safely After Engine Fire
An Air Force Hercules made an emergency landing this evening after the aircraft experienced an in-flight fire.
The Hercules was travelling from Henderson airfield in the Solomon Islands to Ohakea when a fuel leak was discovered.
The engine was immediately shut down. A fire then occurred but was extinguished.
The Hercules landed safely in Tontouta, New Caledonia. All passengers and crew are safe.
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.
An investigation will be undertaken to determine the cause of the fuel leak and fire.
The Hercules is likely to remain in New Caledonia for several days.