Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Aircraft Incident at Cotopaxi Airport: Brake Failure Suspected
A military transport aircraft, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, experienced a brake malfunction and careened off a runway at Cotopaxi International Airport in Latacunga, Ecuador, on Tuesday morning. The plane, a recent donation from the United States to the Ecuadorian Air Force, ended up with its nose submerged in a ditch. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the aircraft malfunction, focusing on potential hydraulic system issues. This incident underscores the importance of regular aircraft maintenance.
Details of the Incident
Official reports indicate that the four-engine cargo plane started moving unexpectedly during the engine start-up process. Crucially, both the primary and backup braking systems proved ineffective, causing the aircraft to roll uncontrollably down the taxiway and deviate from its intended path. The plane eventually halted with its front section lodged firmly in a ditch adjacent to the runway.
Immediate Response and Safety
Emergency teams were dispatched to the scene promptly to provide assistance to the crew and the seven passengers who were on board at the time of the mishap. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries resulting from the incident.
Expert Analysis
Aviation expert Nicolás Larenas stated that the aircraft “experienced brake problems” soon after the engine was initiated. He further explained that the aircraft incident led to the plane ending up off the side of the taxiway due to the braking system failure.
Official Statement from the Ecuadorian Air Force
The Ecuadorian Air Force released a statement confirming the sequence of events: “During the engine start procedure, the aircraft began to roll without any response from the main and emergency brakes, causing the aircraft to taxi away.”
Circumstances Leading to the Accident
The aircraft, identified as FAE-898, was preparing to depart for Guayaquil when the accident took place. Notably, the aircraft had not yet taken off when the brake failure occurred.
Recovery Operations and Damage Assessment
Personnel from the FAE initiated retrieval operations immediately following the incident. Efforts are underway to extricate the damaged aircraft from the ditch and conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the extent of the aircraft damage.
Significance of the Aircraft
This particular C-130 Hercules represents a unique asset for Ecuador. It was donated by the U.S. in March 2024 to enhance the nation’s defense logistics and humanitarian support capabilities. Its intended uses include:
- Transporting military personnel
- Moving cargo
- Supporting humanitarian efforts
Investigation Underway
The Ecuadorian military has formally announced that an investigation into the aircraft incident is currently being conducted to ascertain the root cause of the brake malfunction. Preliminary findings suggest a potential problem within the aircraft’s hydraulic system as a contributing factor.
Possible Cause
The ongoing investigation is focusing on the hydraulic system, which may have contributed to the reported brake failure in the C-130 Hercules.