Incident at Willietown

[Greg Hyde]

ABC radio was reporting that a RAAF a/c ran off the runway at Williamtown today causing the strip to be closed. There were no injuries.

Does anyone know the actual story ?

Greg

[Mick.B]

From Defence Media

HAWK INCIDENT AT RAAF BASE WILLIAMTOWN

At approximately midday today, a Hawk 127 aircraft from 76 Squadron ran off the side of the runway at RAAF Base Williamtown after a braking problem occurred upon landing.

After touch down, the pilot noticed a problem with normal braking of the aircraft and conducted emergency procedures. During the subsequent deceleration, the main tyres deflated causing direction control problems that resulted in the Hawk leaving the bitumen runway.

The pilot, who did not sustain any injuries, had been conducting a routine training sortie prior to the incident. Air Force Emergency crews including fire fighters and medical personnel responded immediately.

A RAAF Hawk maintenance crew also responded to assess any aircraft damage prior to moving the aircraft away from the runway vicinity.

Air Force aircrew are well trained to handle emergencies such as this. The incident is now the subject of a safety investigation.