A Close Call for the Veteran Aircraft During Training
The Turkish Air Force recently faced a harrowing situation when a C-160 Transall aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing during a routine training exercise. This incident, which occurred in Kayseri, central Turkey, fortunately resulted in no injuries, thanks to the skill and quick thinking of the crew.
The Incident: A Technical Malfunction in Mid-Air
As the C-160 took off from the Kayseri 12th Air Transport Base Command, it encountered a technical malfunction. Despite the unexpected challenge, the crew managed to execute an emergency landing. Impressively, the aircraft sustained only minor damage, and both the pilot and crew emerged unscathed. The Turkish Ministry of Defense confirmed the crew’s wellbeing and the minor damage to the aircraft in a statement.
About the C-160 Transall
The C-160 Transall, a product of the French-German consortium Transport Allianz, is a testament to European aerospace collaboration. This twin-engine aircraft is renowned for its versatility in transporting approximately 16 tons of freight, 91 passengers, 60 equipped paratroopers, or 62 wounded on stretchers in its medivac configuration. Although France and Germany have retired the Transall from their fleets in 2021 and 2022 respectively, the Turkish Air Force continues to operate this robust aircraft, specifically by the 221st Squadron “Breeze.”