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Collapsing nose wheel Italian Air Force G222
During
the 2002 display season the Reparto Sperimentale di Volo (RSV) from the
Italian Air Force again had an excellent solo display with a G222
transport aircraft. We witnessed the show some weeks before at the Gilze
Rijen air show and we were really excited about it. It reminded us of
those days when the Royal Netherlands Air Force 334 squadron was still doing their solo display with the
F-27 Troopship. Quite unusual maneuvers were performed with a transport
aircraft, something you would normally expect to see from fighter
aircraft.
On
Saturday 20 July 2002 the Italians gave another excellent display at the
Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford.
Although we were busy working with the 334 squadron (RNLAF) stand, we decided to
go out to the runway to take some photographs of today’s show.
The
display was concluded with a typical 'Sarajevo approach'. Suddenly
something went wrong, the aircraft made a rough landing and the nose
wheel collapsed. The aircraft lurched on on its forward fuselage towards
the end of the runway. This caused lots of sparks and flames.
Fortunately the crew escaped save from the aircraft. Since we had front
row seats we are able to show you a close view of the event. |