What happened
During a specialized cargo operation conducted for the United States Air Force, an aircraft experienced significant mechanical complications shortly after departing from Dover AFB. While the aircraft was in its initial climb phase, a malfunction triggered a false engine fire warning, which subsequently caused the propeller to feather.
In response to the warning, the crew initiated an emergency return to the airfield to perform a controlled landing. However, during the approach, the flight crew encountered further difficulties when they were unable to extend the landing gear. The mechanism could not be locked into position due to a hydraulic pressure leak originating from the windshield wiper system.
Faced with the inability to land via the runway using standard procedures, the captain executed a decision to perform a belly landing in an open field situated approximately several dozen yards in front of the runway threshold. The aircraft type sustained heavy damage and was declared a total loss. There were three injuries reported among the crew, though all three members escaped with only minor harm.
Findings
- A false engine fire alert led to the automatic feathering of the propeller during the climb.
- A hydraulic leak in the windshield wiper system prevented the landing gear from being lowered and locked.