The IntelligencerMassive transport aircraft clips fence
By Luke Hendry
Local News - Friday, May 11, 2007 Updated @ 11:26:06 AM
By Luke Hendry
The Intelligencer
Authorities are investigating after a contracted cargo plane clipped a wire fence at CFB Trenton Thursday night.
Capt. Nicole Meszaros, the base's public affairs officer, said fog is believed to have been a factor in the accident, which damaged a section of fence on the base's eastern limit but did not damage the plane.
"Last night at approximately midnight an IL-76 Ilyushin carrying equipment to Canada from Afghanistan and scheduled to fly equipment out again had its landing gear come in contact with airport's perimeter fence," Meszaros said.
She said the large blue and white plane, which is used regularly for such missions, overshot the runway and hit the fence, then flew to Ottawa to avoid the fog.
"Last night it was foggy and weather was impacting visibility," Meszaros said. "Several fence poles were bent over and part of the fence collapsed. We found out later that some of the barbed wire became entangled in the landing gear of the Ilyushin."
She said "a concerned citizen" alerted military police to the fence damage; the MPs then called Transport Canada.
"After overshooting, the aircraft flew to Ottawa and landed safely there without further incident. Once in landed in Ottawa the aircraft was inspected by Transport Canada, and was deemed to be fit for flight after minor repairs.
"The aircraft consequently landed here this morning at about 9:30," Meszaros said.
"A follow-up investigation is going to be done by Transport Canada, and a parallel investigation is going to be done by the Canadian Forces Director of Flight Safety."
Meszaros said it was unclear whether the crew knew the plane had struck the fence, the damaged portion of which has been replaced by temporary fencing.
The Ilyushin and larger Antonov transports used to carry freight between Canada and overseas bases are based in former Soviet countries. Meszaros said those planes will be used less frequently once Canada's new C-17 Globemaster plans begin arriving later this year.
There's fog in Ontario???!!