MOD responds to Hercules C-130 crash allegations

[big bad john]

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness/ModRespondsToHerculesC130CrashAllegations.htm

MOD responds to Hercules C-130 crash allegations
2 May 06
On 30 January 2005, a Hercules C130K crashed in Iraq with the loss of all personnel on board. In December 2005 the Board of Inquiry concluded that the aircraft crashed after it became uncontrollable after hostile ground-to-air fire caused the explosive separation of the outboard right hand wing.

One of the contributing factors identified by the Board was the lack of a fuel-tank inerting system. Whilst such a system may have prevented an explosion in the wing, the Board concluded that it would not necessarily have prevented a fire.

Although such a system would have increased the probability of the aircraft’s survival, neither the Board of Inquiry nor the Independent Senior Air Accident Investigator, concluded that it would definitely have changed the tragic outcome. Defensive aides are only part of the protection for the aircraft, which is why the RAF invests heavily in developing the best tactics, force protection measures and flight deck armour.

Since 2001, the defensive aides for C-130s have been upgraded several times. New Directional Infra Red Counter Measures, Missile Approach Warning Systems, Radar Warning Receivers, Countermeasures Dispensing Systems and additional flight deck armour have all been added. Prior to the C-130 crash in Iraq, it was judged that there was a low risk of a fuel tank explosion.

The emphasis was therefore on fitting other higher priority defensive systems. As a result of the recommendations made by the 2005 Board of Inquiry, Explosion Suppressant Foam will be fitted to some C-130 aircraft, concentrating on the aircraft that operate in the highest threat environment.

 

[dardt]

Surprisingly the CBC presents the story with a slightly more shocking headline.  :

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Canada on crash course without Hercules foam safety device: ex-pilot

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/05/08/foam060508.html

Last Updated Mon, 08 May 2006 22:35:44 EDT
CBC News
Canada needs to act swiftly to equip its Hercules aircraft with protective foam after an inquiry into the deadly crash of a British Hercules found it may have prevented the tragedy, a former RAF pilot says.

 
Explosive suppressant foam system is found to be helpful in preventing loss of life and damage to Hercules aircraft. (CBC) 
"It's taken the Royal Air Force a tragedy, 10 people dying, before realizing that we need this stuff, said Nigel Gilbert, who used to be a Hercules pilot. "The Canadians, without losing their own blood, their own people, can now learn from our mistakes.

"I think now is the time for the Canadians to move very quickly," he said.

Fifteen months ago, a British Hercules burst into flames and crashed after being shot in Iraq, killing all 10 men on board.

An inquiry into the crash found that that the lack of a safety device for the fuel tank could have contributed to the crash.

Britain's Ministry of Defence has since ordered the fitting of explosive suppressant foam on Hercules aircraft flying in danger zones.

The Canadian military has 29 Hercules in operation. They are commonly used in Afghanistan. Although the American and Australian Hercules have a safety foam device, the Canadian Hercules do not.

"If there is such a foam, it'd be a good thing, but this is the first I've ever heard of it," said Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor.

But in a statement Monday, the Defence Department said, "Strategic planning and analysis is underway to potentially acquire an explosive suppressant foam system" for the Hercules.