The U.S. Marine KC-130J that crashed after an inflight fueling collision on Tuesday lost both right engines and may have been on fire, according to ATC tapes (see below) recently published. A video caught by a bystander showed the ground impact of the F-35B which collided with the tanker during a training exercise. All crew members from both aircraft were recovered safely, according to the Navy’s USNI.
A photo showed the KC-130J wheels up in farm field near the Thermal Airport in California. “The KC-130J is on deck in the vicinity of Thermal Airport. All crew members of the KC-130J have been reported safe,” the USNI statement said. No injuries were reported among the KC-130J crew. The KC-130J is equipped with a drogue fuel system that deploys from external tanks on each wing. It’s routinely used by the Marines and Navy for inflight refueling operations.
