Hercules lands just in time
A United States Navy Hercules on a flight from Christchurch to McMurdo Sound yesterday had to land at Dunedin Airport early this morning after turning back with not enough fuel to return to Christchurch. The aircraft left Christchurch at 12.10 p.m. yesterday and made the decision to turn back at 7 p.m. after one of the four engines was shut down because of a malfunction in the hydraulically controlled propellers. The flight commander, Paul De Rocher said he had about 30 minutes of fuel left when he landed at Momona Airport in Dunedin.
It was understood the decision to return was made at 65 degrees south, past the point of safe return to Christchurch but three minutes before the point of safe return to Dunedin.
Seventeen people were aboard the flight, seven crew and 10 passengers, including some New Zealanders bound for Scott Base. Commander De Rocher said the plane bad some trouble maintaining altitude as it turned back into strong bead winds with only tbree engines. It was hoped early this morning that the aircraft could (be refuelled and flown back to Christchurch.
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Press, 15 November 1984, Page 4
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189Hercules lands just in time Press, 15 November 1984, Page 4
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