AUSTRALIA'S fleet of 15 F-111 strike bombers has been grounded after an engine fire forced one aircraft to make an emergency landing in Singapore last week.

The aircraft was performing a flying display at the Singapore Air Show on February 4 when on-board instrumentation indicated an engine fire, although no fire was visible to air traffic control.



"In the interests of safety, the pilot terminated the display, completed his safety checklist, declared a mayday and landed without incident at Changi Air Base East," a defence spokesman said.



"Air Force takes flight safety very seriously. The aircrew handled this incident swiftly and decisively."



An inspection of the aircraft revealed some fire damage in the left hand engine.



The spokesman said the RAAF had started an investigation into the incident.



"In accordance with Air Force's commitment to safety, all F-111 flying has been temporarily suspended while the cause of the incident is determined," he said.

Originally published as F-111s grounded after engine fire