By
Leesha Furse
Seven
crew of a C-130 in Iraq will probably remember their mission on
the afternoon of June 27 above all others No. 36 Squadron has
flown – more than 2000 now – while deployed. “The crew heard a
loud thump and felt the projectile strike the aircraft,” recounted
Air Commodore Greg Evans, Commander Air Lift Group.
“They thought it was most likely small arms fire and started
to look around for damage to the aircraft and within about 30
or 40 seconds they saw [a US civilian passenger] had been wounded.
“They advised the captain they had a wounded passenger and the
captain immediately turned around the aircraft and transited back
to Baghdad. They declared a mayday and Baghdad activated all the
usual emergency services. As it turns out, there was nothing that
could be done for him – he was killed immediately – but they couldn’t
make that determination and were working on him on the way back,
but once they were on the ground, the gentleman was declared dead.”
The US Defence Department civilian contractor was in the cargo
area of the C-130. No-one else was injured. The aircraft had taken
off from Baghdad International Airport on a regular tasking activity
about 5pm. “In all of the time and all the exposure to risk with
bullets being fired and missiles being launched ... this is the
first aircraft we’ve had struck by projectiles,” AIRCDRE Evans
said.
“We had only three passengers on board and for this bullet to
strike this gentleman is so desperately sad and unlucky. It’s
very distressing for the crew. It was an agonising set of circumstances
and I’m very sorry they had to go through that. They will carry
a heavy load in their hearts for some time.” Crew members were
offered counselling.
Australian National Commander Brigadier Peter Hutchinson sent
condolences to the family of the US civilian on behalf of the
ADF. Investigations into the incident have been completed, however
there is an ongoing review of all tactics and techniques used
by the C-130s in Iraq.
“I am conducting a full review of tactics to make sure there is
no stone unturned in finding better ways to avoid being hit,
and to limit the consequences if we are,” AIRCDRE Evans said.
“We have already learnt about radios and communications and about
the flow of information when something like this happens. The
lessons would not have changed the outcome but we are learning
a lot about better ways of dealing with it all that will be useful
if it happens again, particularly if we are dealing with a medical
situation.”
He is “very proud” of the crew. “They did extremely well. They
did everything they could for him. They were very prompt in turning
back to Baghdad for medical attention and followed all the procedures
so I am very pleased. “They are trained for just this sort of
situation. The C-130 crews expect to fly aircraft in combat and
understand there is a risk of casualties.”
“They are all first-aid trained and all understand this significant risk in their role. “I’ve spoken with some of the members
of the crew and, as they always are, they have been very robust
and brave. All [crew members] have been back flying; I’m pleased
they have got back on the horse and gone flying again soon afterwards
and are all looking to get on with the job.”
