A US military plane reported this morning a general emergency off the coast of Wales. US Air Force C-130H Hercules aircraft transmitted code 7700, indicating a general emergency, after taking off from Cardiff Airport this morning.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the aircraft tracked west after departing and turned around, tracking east back towards the Welsh capital. It took off at 10.23am and safely landed back at Cardiff Airport at 1.15pm. During its journey, it flew over South Wales and out into the North Atlantic Ocean before heading back.
It tells controllers that the aircraft needs immediate priority handling and assistance, even if the pilots are too busy to speak over the radio.
The signal covers a broad range of urgent scenarios, including mechanical failures, onboard medical emergencies, system failures, and fuel issues.
The C-130H Hercules was built and designed by Lockheed Martin, a US defence and aerospace manufacturer that supplies the country’s Defence Department and allied governments.
Used for heavy-lift tactical airlift, troop transport, and cargo airdrops, the aircraft features four engined ans a wingspan of 40 metres.
The US Air Force has been contacted for comment.
