Background
The RAF Hercules was conducting a routine operational flight providing support to the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) at Lashkar Gar, Afghanistan. The Lashkar Gar Tactical Landing Zone (TLZ) is 6,800 feet long by 150 feet wide, with a surface of compacted sand and gravel, located on the south side of the town. The TLZ was used by UK forces and other agencies including the UN and Red Cross.
Flight Details
The aircraft departed Kabul International Airport (KBL) at 08:50 UTC on a routine logistics sortie to deliver cargo and personnel to LKG TLZ. After an uneventful medium-level transit, it landed at LKG at 10:20 UTC using a standard tactical landing technique. The aircraft touched down approximately 500 feet from the runway threshold, reverse thrust was selected, and speed reduced without wheel braking.
Accident Sequence
Approximately 3 seconds after touchdown, as speed neared 70 knots, a loud bang was heard from the port side near the port main landing gear. The force was felt throughout the aircraft. The flight deck crew observed tyre debris flying in front of the aircraft and became aware of structural damage to the number 2 engine. The captain ordered the Emergency Engine Shutdown Drill (EESD) on the number 2 engine and maintained directional control with nosewheel steering.
Immediately after shutdown of the number 2 engine, crew members observed a large fuel leak from the port wing area near the external tank pylon and a fire near the number 1 engine. The captain ordered shutdown of the number 1 engine using the EESD. During this drill, the fire spread across the entire wing. Recognizing the severity, the captain brought the aircraft to a halt near the northern end of the landing zone, approximately 6,400 feet from the touchdown point.
Evacuation and Fire
The captain ordered passengers and crew to immediately carry out the Emergency Evacuation Drill. After all personnel had evacuated the aircraft, fire rapidly destroyed the aircraft and cargo.
Investigation Findings
Investigation concluded that XV206 was destroyed after detonating an explosive device buried in the surface of the LKG TLZ. The device was identified as an anti-tank landmine. The explosion caused aircraft debris to puncture the port wing fuel tanks, resulting in a major fuel leak that ignited, leading to an uncontrollable fire originating in the port wing near the number 1 engine.
The investigation also identified contributing factors: (a) lack of permanent force protection at LKG TLZ allowed uncontrolled access to persons wishing to carry out hostile acts; (b) TLZ clearance procedures proved inadequate for detecting subsurface mines.