29 Jun 2016

Hercules' generator issue behind emergency landing

2:52 pm on 29 June 2016

A Hercules aircraft made an emergency landing at Whenuapai Air Base this morning because of a problem with its electrical generator.

The plane landed safely at RNZAF's base in Whenuapai.

The Hercules (grey plane at front) landed safely at RNZAF's base in Whenuapai. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

The Fire Service said the C130 Hercules with 15 people on board had declared a full emergency.

The service's communications team said the plane had suffered a loss of cabin pressure, was flying a low altitude, dumping fuel and there were reports of smoke in the cockpit.

The Defence Force said the plane was en-route to Nausori in Fiji when smoke entered the cabin through its air-conditioning system while the crew was trying to fix the generator.

The decision was made to turn back to the nearest airfield and it made a smooth landing about 11.30am in front of a small crowd of locals who had gathered to see it come in.

Emergency services, including seven fire trucks, were placed on standby at the airport, but they were not required.