A cracked windshield on a Danish military Hercules transport plane forced Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus and the Folketing’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee to divert to Aalborg on Monday.
The aircraft was on its way home from Latvia, where the delegation had visited Danish soldiers. According to DR, the windshield cracked during the return flight on Monday, September 21.
As a safety measure, the crew reduced the aircraft’s speed and flew at a lower altitude. DR reports that the plane had been scheduled to land in Copenhagen, but set course for Aalborg instead.
Aalborg was chosen because it is the only place where the Danish Armed Forces keep the critical spare parts for the aircraft in stock. The delegation therefore landed in northern Jutland rather than in the capital.
Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus, of the Social Democrats, walked around the cabin himself and briefed the delegation on the situation. Per DR, he described the situation on board as quiet, calm and professional, with no panic and no immediate danger.
DR’s defence correspondent Mads Korsager was on board the flight. He noted that he felt the aircraft suddenly descend, and that passengers were told shortly afterwards that they were heading for Aalborg instead.
As stated by Korsager, everything proceeded in an orderly manner, and those on board were told there was no danger. He was reporting from inside the aircraft during the diversion.
Journey continued by train
After landing in Aalborg, the minister, the committee members and the rest of the delegation had to continue to Copenhagen by rail. According to Korsager, the group relied on DSB to carry the entire party to the capital.
The delegation had been due to arrive in Copenhagen at around 18:00. Instead, the group was expected to reach the city after midnight, DR reports.
Decision pending on aging aircraft
Korsager linked the incident to the age of the Danish Air Force’s Hercules fleet. He noted that the aircraft are approaching the end of their service life, and that the episode could prompt the minister and the defence agreement parties to look at them.
According to DR’s defence correspondent, a decision must soon be made on what should replace or supplement the current fleet. The options mentioned include buying new Hercules aircraft, a Brazilian aircraft type, or a European model from Airbus.
No injuries were reported in connection with the incident. DR did not report any damage beyond the cracked windshield itself.
