More on Hercules grounding
Date: 23 April 2005
From the SAAF News group:
'All C-130B aircraft users world wide were advised by Lockheed-Martin that the potential existed that cracks could have developed in the outer wing area. These potential cracks would only be visable if the area concerned were opened. To establish evidence of potential cracking the wings are disassemblied and the potential area scrutinised. Until such an inspection is carried out and cracks are found the SAAF C-130BZ (401 to 407) fleet have been grounded as an aviation safety measure as recommended by Lockheed-Martin. Once the inspection has been carried out, only then can it be established if aircraft of the SAAF C-130BZ fleet do in fact have cracks. The first inspection is now underway (407).'
