In 2020, a Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules had a rough day at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, experiencing a hard landing that left it with significant damage to its wings, landing gear, and engines. The damage was so extensive that the aircraft was grounded indefinitely. Fast forward to July 15, 2025, and the same aircraft, tail number 11-5736, took to the skies once more, as announced by the 86th Airlift Wing via the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. This remarkable comeback story began during a training exercise in April 2020 when the pilots mistakenly reduced power too early, leading to a hard landing. Despite the severe damage, the U.S. Air Force decided to invest in extensive repairs, a decision that paid off after years of dedicated work.

Repairing the C-130J was no small feat, especially since it was stuck at Ramstein Air Base. The aircraft was in no condition to fly, so the USAF had to ship parts across the Atlantic to Germany. The plane needed new wings, which were transported in a specially designed container, marking the first-ever field wing replacement for a C-130J. Along with the wings, parts for the landing gear and engines were also shipped. Once everything was in place, it took over 30 days for the repair team to get the aircraft back in shape. The successful repair of 11-5736 became a symbol of resilience and teamwork, with Senior Master Sgt. Justin Jordan expressing how the aircraft’s return to flight was not just a technical achievement but a deeply personal victory for everyone involved.

The initial incident in 2020 was quite dramatic, with the aircraft experiencing 3.62 Gs and a sink rate of 834 feet per minute upon landing. Despite the hard touchdown, the crew managed to perform a go-around and land safely. The damage was estimated to cost around $21 million. Once the decision was made to repair the aircraft, parts were sourced and constructed at Robins Air Force Base. This story of determination and innovation is a testament to the spirit of aviation and the dedication of those who refused to let the C-130J’s story end on a sour note.

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Originally reported by Simple Flying Read More