An RN-ZAF Hercules forced to make an emergency landing in Auckland yesterday because of a faulty electrical generator.
The C-130 Hercules, which had 15 crew and passengers on board, was on its way from Auckland’s Whenuapai Air Base to Nausori in Fiji when the issues developed.
Smoke entered the cabin through the aircraft’s air conditioning system while the crew was attempting to isolate the problem with the faulty generator, the New Zealand Defence Force said.
The NZ-DF said Hercules can operate safely with a faulty generator, but it was standard procedure to turn back to the nearest airfield when problems develop.
The plane landed safely in mist and heavy rain at Whenuapai at 11.35am.
The Hercules was believed to have encountered a pressurisation problem.
The plane had flown at low altitude and dumped fuel ahead of returning to land at the base.
Seven fire engines were on standby at the airport when the plane landed, but they were not needed.
Fire Service shift manager Jaron Phillips said he had been advised the landing was a “full emergency”.
Two St John ambulance vehicles had earlier arrived at the airbase.
Visibility had been poor due to heavy rain and strong winds.
The base is on the shore of the upper Waitemata Harbour, about 20 minutes drive north of downtown Auckland.