LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 19th Airlift Wing was recently recovered and flown to a depot facility for permanent repairs after sustaining significant damage during a landing at Red Devil Landing Zone, Fort Carson, Colorado.
Tail Number 08-8606 experienced a severe tail strike while landing in an austere environment, prompting the immediate activation of a Safety Investigation Board (SIB) to determine the root cause.
“After safeguarding the aircraft and the information that was captured on the flight data recorder, all data was sent to Lockheed Martin and Rolls Royce engineers for review,” said Capt. Lynley Hummel, 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft maintenance unit officer in-charge and Interim Safety Board member who rapidly deployed to the site to maintain the integrity of the investigation. “Our only goal is to determine how the aircraft damage occurred and spread that knowledge to preclude further damage in the future.” Due to the nature of the incident, some details remain under review.
Soon after, a team of highly-trained aircraft maintenance technicians from the 19th AMXS were deployed to the remote, dirt-strip landing zone, where they conducted critical inspections and replaced major components, including all four engines and propellers. Expert specialists from the 19th Maintenance Squadron inspected components for cracking and performed repairs to the skin and fuselage structure over a several week period.
“This was the biggest and longest recovery effort that has taken place in recent history for the 19th AW across the C-130J enterprise,” said Master Sgt. Joshua Jorgensen, 19th AMXS production superintendent. “Communication was key in the entire operation.”
As the recovery operations progressed, specific technical concerns arose that required sourcing parts and transporting equipment from multiple locations across the country.
The 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron played a vital role in this logistical effort, teaming with ground transportation units to manage equipment pickups and deliveries.
These Airmen also worked alongside host base agencies at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado to access local resources, including vehicles and ground equipment. Airlift Squadrons from Little Rock AFB, Air Mobility Command, Air Force Reserve Command and Air Combat Command were instrumental in this recovery effort, banding together to provide short-notice mission planning and airlift support to transport Airmen, tools, and supplies.
The extensive damage required close coordination with C-130 engineers from Robins Air Force Base, Georgia who provided guidance and ensured repairs were structurally sound.
Representatives from the Weapon System Team at Scott AFB, Illinois provided direction as to the long-term recovery plan for this aircraft to be combat-ready again. Their collective efforts brought the aircraft to a flyable condition in rapid time, allowing it to be ferried under a one-time flight authorization to Robins AFB for depot-level restoration.
“Executing this work in the middle of nowhere was no small task. Recovering Aircraft 8606 wasn’t just a maintenance win, it was a demonstration of what all mission ready Airmen bring to the fight,” said Maj. Joseph Kraynak, 19th AMXS commander. “Our team turned a complex, austere, geographically-separated problem into an enterprise success story. We are ready to tackle issues across the spectrum to get our aircraft in the air and back in the fight.”
Despite harsh conditions, logistical hurdles and efforts spanning multiple states and installations, the recovery team executed the mission with precision and professionalism—completing the full recovery of tail 08-8606 in less than four months.
“The success of this operation highlights the skill, adaptability, and teamwork of all Airmen involved,” Kraynak said. “Their efforts underscore the 19th Airlift Wing’s commitment to readiness and the fact that Tactical Airlift really can go anywhere.”