Dover, Delaware ( National Times) : A U.S. Air Force C-5 Galaxy transport aircraft crashed in a field near Dover Air Force Base shortly after takeoff following an engine failure, according to officials.
The aircraft experienced a failure of its number two engine soon after departure and declared an emergency while attempting to return to the base. The landing attempt was unsuccessful, and the aircraft came down before reaching the runway.
On impact, the fuselage fractured just behind the cockpit. The nose section came to rest facing the runway, while the tail separated and was found several hundred meters away. One of the engines was thrown forward from the aircraft. Despite the severity of the crash, no fire broke out.
All 17 crew members on board survived the accident. Some sustained minor injuries, but none were reported to be life-threatening. Safety officials noted that the relatively level position of the wings at the time of impact played a significant role in reducing injuries and preventing fatalities.
An investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the engine failure and subsequent crash.
