A heart-stopping moment was captured on film when a Turkish C-160 aircraft, a crucial asset of the Turkish Air Force, narrowly avoided a major disaster in Kayseri, Central Anatolia.
Turkish C-160 Air Force averts catastrophe in Kayseri
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This Transall C-160, known for its reliability in military operations and humanitarian efforts, encountered a technical malfunction during a routine training exercise, compelling the pilot to execute an emergency landing, per The Aviationist.
The incident unfolded as the aircraft, operating out of Kayseri 12th Air Transport Base Command, was taking off for a scheduled training session.
The drama intensified as the C-160, registration 69-036, swooped at an alarmingly low altitude over a road, its landing gears retracted, causing a stir among motorists below.
Social media platforms buzzed with footage of the nail-biting scene, showcasing the aircraft’s harrowing journey as it grappled with technical difficulties.
Fortunately, the skill of the crew ensured a safe landing with the aircraft sustaining only minor damages. The Turkish Ministry of Defence confirmed the well-being of the crew, stating,
“Our aircraft suffered minor damage. The health of our pilots and crew is good.”
Designed by the French-German consortium Transport Allianz, the Transall C-160 is a testament to European engineering prowess.
This twin-engine transport aircraft can carry around 16 tons of cargo, including 91 passengers, 60 equipped paratroopers, or 62 wounded on stretchers in its medivac configuration.
Following the retirement of the C-160 by France and Germany in 2021 and 2022 respectively, the Turkish Air Force remains the sole operator of this model, with two C-160D Transall aircraft under the 221st Squadron “Breeze”.