U.S. Marine Corps has grounded its Lockheed Martin KC-130T aircraft fleet following the deadly July 10 crash, that claimed life of 16 mi...
U.S. Marine Corps has grounded its Lockheed Martin KC-130T aircraft fleet following the deadly July 10 crash, that claimed life of 16 military personnel.
The grounding will affect the 12 of the type operated by Marine Forces Reserve, and will not affect the newer KC-130J fleet.
The KC-130T aircraft which is modified for aerial refuelling was from Marine Aerial Refueling and Transport Squadron (VMGR) 452 in New York.
The flight originated from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., as the squadron was supporting a requirement to transport personnel and equipment from there to Naval Air Field El Centro, California.
The crew and passengers consisted of 15 Marines and one Navy Corpsman. Equipment on board included various small arms ammunition and personal weapons. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was deployed to the scene as a precaution in the interest of safety.
According to USMC, something happened during the cruise phase of the flight. Witness has heard in-flight explosions before the crash, which could have originated from the ammunition on-board.
