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In February 2012, Defence Watch reported on a RCAF C-130 Hercules aircraft that was severely damaged by fire and forced to land in Key West, Florida. The RCAF noted the aircraft was a write-off.

Now the CANADIAN FORCES FLIGHT SAFETY INVESTIGATION REPORT is in and here is a summary:

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“During a touch and go at Naval Air Station Key West just prior to the aircraft becoming airborne, the Loadmaster, who was seated in the rear of the cargo compartment, heard an electrical buzzing sound and observed an orange jet-like flame shoot across the cargo ramp floor. He unbuckled his harness and was reaching for the fire extinguisher when an expansive orange fireball erupted, causing him to protect his head with his jacket. Once the fireball receded, he alerted the crew to the fire and moved forward to escape the heat and smoke.

Concurrent with the fire alert, the aircraft became airborne and reached 10 feet in altitude above the runway. With sufficient runway remaining, the Flying Pilot landed straight ahead and aggressively stopped the aircraft while the Non-Flying Pilot notified Air Traffic Control. Once the aircraft came to rest and the engines were shut down, all nine crewmembers quickly egressed and moved upwind of the aircraft. Crash Fire and Rescue services responded and expeditiously extinguished the fire. The aircraft was extensively damaged and one crewmember received a minor injury.