Emergency landing by F-35A caused by hydraulic hose rupture: Air Force
Republic of Korea Air Force's F-35A fighter jet is seen in this Nov. 22, 2023 file photo. Courtesy of Republic of Korea Air Force
The Air Force said Thursday a recent emergency landing by an F-35A fighter jet at an airport in Cheongju was due to a rupture in the hydraulic hose related to the aircraft's landing gear.
On Monday, an F-35A fighter operated by Korea's 17th Fighter Wing made an emergency landing at the international airport in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, during its nighttime operation.
During a regular press briefing, an Air Force official explained that the abrupt landing occurred due to a rupture in the hydraulic hose located in front of the left main landing gear, which prompted the jet's warning light to go off. The hydraulic hose supplies pressure to open the main landing gear door.
The aircraft sustained minor damage to part of its lower nose surface, but none of the major components were damaged, according to officials.
The Air Force plans to gradually resume flight operations of the F-35A in the afternoon, and conduct a special inspection of the aircraft's hydraulic and landing gear systems prior to all flights as part of safety measures.