DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 257/08
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
INVESTIGATION BEGINS INTO RAAF HAWK INCIDENT
Defence has begun an investigation into what caused an Air Force Hawk 127 to divert
to Coffs Harbour airport this morning.
Two Hawk aircraft were conducting a routine training mission, when the pilot of one
aircraft declared an airborne emergency and diverted to Coffs Harbour.
The damaged Hawk circled over the ocean to reduce its fuel load, and the pilot of the
second aircraft conducted a visual check for damage.
The damaged aircraft landed safely at Coffs Harbour airport while the second returned
to RAAF Base Williamtown near Newcastle. There were no injuries.
“Air Force provides intensive training so our pilots are well prepared to handle
contingencies like this. The two Hawk pilots dealt with this incident in a calm and
professional way,” Group Captain Alan Clements, Chief of Staff, Air Combat Group,
said.
“Air Force is serious about safety. Two Defence teams are travelling to Coffs
Harbour. One team includes aviation safety specialists who will investigate what
caused the incident. The investigation will focus on the probability the aircraft clipped
a power line approximately 25 nautical miles east of Armidale,” Group Captain
Clements said.
The second team will conduct a detailed damage assessment. The Hawk has sustained
some damage to its left wing. It is uncertain at this stage what it will cost to repair the
aircraft.
Both aircraft belong to 76 Squadron at RAAF Williamtown. Air Force operates Hawk
127s as a lead-in fighter training aircraft.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
