What happened
On the date of the incident, a Royal Air Force Hercules was conducting a scheduled logistics mission to transport personnel and cargo from Kabul International Airport to the LKG Tactical Landing Zone in Afghanistan. The mission was intended to support the Provincial Reconstruction Team stationed at Lashkar Gar. The aircraft departed Kabul at 08:50 UTC and arrived at the landing site at 10:20 UTC after a stable transit at medium altitude.
The landing was performed using standard tactical procedures on a compacted sand and gravel runway. The aircraft touched down approximately 500 feet past the runway threshold. During the deceleration phase, while the aircraft was traveling at roughly 70 knots and utilizing reverse thrust, a loud explosion occurred near the port main landing gear. The crew observed tire debris being thrown forward and noted structural damage to the number 2 engine.
Following the initial impact, the pilot initiated the Emergency Engine Shutdown Drill for the number 2 engine. During this process, the crew identified a significant fuel leak near the external tank pylon on the port wing and observed an active fire near the number 1 engine. The pilot then ordered the shutdown of the number 1 engine. As the crew performed these emergency procedures, the fire expanded across the entire wing. The pilot managed to bring the aircraft to a stop near the northern end of the landing zone, approximately 6,400 feet from the original touchdown point. An emergency evacuation was executed for all passengers and crew. Despite the successful evacuation, the fire consumed the entire aircraft and its cargo.
Findings
- The sequence of events began with a tire failure or related mechanical explosion near the port main landing gear.
- The resulting debris caused structural damage to the number 2 engine.
- The mechanical failure led to a massive fuel leak and subsequent fire that spread across the port wing.