NSW: Defence investigates whether jet clipped powerlines

AAP General News (Australia)
08-13-2008
NSW: Defence investigates whether jet clipped powerlines

SYDNEY, Aug 13 AAP - An RAAF jet may have clipped powerlines during a training mission
over the NSW coast, sparking a mid-air emergency.

The aircraft was one of two Hawks on a routine training run today along the coast,
north of Newcastle, a defence department spokesman said.

"About 11am (AEST) one of the aircraft pilots declared an aircraft emergency and diverted
to Coffs Harbour Airport to land," he said.

"One Hawk landed safely at 11.40am (and the) other has returned to Williamtown (near Newcastle)."

The spokesman said no one was injured during the incident and the aircraft would be
examined to find the cause of the emergency.

He could not confirm reports the jet sustained visible damage to one of its wings.

"(We are) looking into the possibility of the aircraft clipping powerlines," he said.

The jet circled over the ocean as emergency services, including two ambulance crews,
waited at Coffs Harbour Airport for the landing.

"The aircraft was circling over the ocean to receive a standard damage check from the
other Hawk pilot," the spokesman said.

"While circulating the aircraft was also burning off fuel to reduce its landing weight."

The Hawk fighter training jet typically carries two personnel and is widely used in
airforce training.

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