A United States Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refueler aircraft experienced a retraction of its front landing gear while parked at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas, United States, on May 29, 2024.
The base houses the 22nd Air Refueling Wing operating both the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker and Boeing KC-46 Pegasus tankers.
The aircrew had already disembarked before the incident occurred. Five maintainers were on the flightline near the aircraft at the time: two on board and three nearby. No injuries were reported.
KC-135 mishap reported at McConnell AFB, KS.
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Emergency response teams from McConnell were deployed at the scene.
“Today our Emergency Response Airmen put their training to this real-world test, and I am extremely proud of how they conducted themselves and performed their duties,” said Colonel Cory Damon, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander. “Other flying operations at McConnell remain unhindered by this incident.”
The USAF opened an investigation into the cause of the incident.
In February 2023, the entire USAF fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers was grounded due to a defective part in the empennage, which posed a risk of the vertical stabilizer separating from the aircraft.
