Incident Overview
On 25 August 2017, a Royal Air Force Hercules C-130J Mk4, registration ZH873, experienced a heavy landing incident. The incident occurred during operational tasking. The Defence Safety Authority (DSA) subsequently convened a Service Inquiry (SI) under Section 343 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 to investigate the circumstances.
Investigation
The Service Inquiry panel was formally convened on 13 September 2017 at the Ministry of Defence Main Building, Whitehall, London. The panel comprised a President (Commander), an Operations Member (Flight Lieutenant), and an Engineering Member (Captain). Legal advice was provided by a Wing Commander from the DSA Military Aviation Authority Legal Advisory department, and technical investigation support was provided by the Defence Accident Investigation Branch.
The panel's purpose was to investigate the incident and make recommendations to prevent recurrence. The Terms of Reference directed the panel to determine the cause of the occurrence, examine applicable procedures and orders, assess training and qualifications of personnel involved, review crew composition and handover arrangements, evaluate supervision and planning, and examine governance of operational tasking. The panel was also to investigate fatigue implications and equipment status.
Findings and Recommendations
The investigation report, designated DSA/DAIB/17/020, was submitted for the Convening Authority's consideration. The report included narrative, findings, recommendations, and a record of proceedings. While the panel determined causal and contributory factors, the specific cause of the heavy landing was not stated in the available documentation. The report aimed to prevent recurrence through its recommendations.
The incident remains a subject of official investigation, with the full report classified as Official Sensitive. No injuries or fatalities were reported in connection with the heavy landing.