445th Airlift Wing C-17 engine fire causes minimal damage

  • Published
  • By 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  A 445th Airlift Wing C-17 Globemaster III experienced an engine malfunction causing a rare tail pipe fire Jan. 7, 2015.

The damage to the aircraft was approximately $180,000. Repairs to the engine and adjacent wing area were made by Airmen from the 445th Maintenance Group. The aircraft was out of service for approximately two weeks for repairs. During this time a thorough investigation and damage assessment were completed. The aircraft was back in the air flying missions Jan. 27.

The C-17 engine fire occurred at 5:30 p.m. during engine start. Crew members were alerted of the fire within seconds of it starting and followed proper procedures for tail pipe fires, extinguishing it within 20-seconds, minimizing the damage.

Col. Michael Major, 445th Airlift Wing commander, commended the aircrew and maintenance personnel for their quick response.

"Our aircrew and ground personnel did an awesome job in making sure the fire was extinguished in seconds. They are trained on engine fire procedures and knew exactly what to do as soon as the fire was discovered."

The investigation was completed, pinpointing the cause and accurately assessing damage.  Before the investigation concluded, a dedicated repair team was formed within the 445th Maintenance Group comprised of technicians from various aircraft maintenance specialties.  Repair efforts proceeded rapidly with support from Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer and the 445th Logistics Readiness Squadron's maintenance supply liaison section.