Exercise Wallaby 2023 - RSAF Lockheed C-130H Hercules Transports '731' and '735' Depart Rockhampton Airport - BUT '731' Returns With Engine Failure!

On Friday 15 September, the two The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft '731' and '735', which had both arrived the previous afternoon, were both spotted as they departed Rockhampton Airport bound for Darwin as "SAF6344 Combined".

It seems that '731' flew as SAF6343, while '735' flew as SAF6344.

Soon after departure, the C-130 '731' as SAF6343 turned around and returned to Rockhampton Airport with reported engine problems.  As these photos show, the number one engine on the Herc was shut down in-flight and feathered as it landed safely back at Rockhampton Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 15 September, it seems the third RSAF Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft '733' started flying sorties during Exercise Wallaby 2023 (XWB23) with it completing two flights out to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) from and back to Rockhampton Airport as "Rider 18" and "Rider 28".

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Sincere thanks to local plane spotter John L for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by John Lee  ©