# SAAF cannibalize crashed Hercules in Goma

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2020/05/saaf-cannibalize-crashed-hercules-in-goma/
- Published: 2020-05-31T23:13:19+01:00
- Author: Sarah Lesedi

The South African Air Force (SAAF) has begun the process of stripping out and dismantling
it’s C-130BZ Hercules aircraft [that veered off the runway at Goma, DRC this January. ](https://www.military.africa/2020/01/south-african-c-130-aircraft-crash-lands-in-drc-crew-rescued)

The salvaged usable parts will be tested and distributed around the remaining SAAF
C-130BZ fleet as needed, says defence expert and Director at [African Defence Review](https://t.co/N4WdBC5aY6?amp=1),
Darren Olivier.

 * ![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/EZXWcp0WAAE-mHu.jpeg)
 * ![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/EZXWcpxXkAIYX4X.jpeg)
 * ![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/EZXWcp7XkAIFz-G.jpeg)

In January, SAAF’s C-130BZ overran the runway and hit a culvert a short distance
from the runway edge, causing extensive damage to the aircraft’s wing and fuselage.

The aircraft was returning from a logistical mission in support of the South African
contingent deployed to the DRC. The C-130BZ was transporting 67 passengers including
eight crew members when it suffered a mechanical malfunction that resulted in its
left wing engine catching fire upon landing.

_**“If Goma had larger runoff areas the aircraft could’ve been saved, but this sort
of damage is uneconomical to repair. Especially on the SAAF’s budget.**_” explains
Darren.

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 * ![](https://i2.wp.com/www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/EZXWd6FXgAAUTZj.
   jpeg?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1)

The salvage operation had apparently been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. So far,
the SAAF currently have five remaining C-130BZ aircraft.

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Another South African C-130 Hercules suffered a [similar fate](https://www.military.africa/2020/04/south-africa-air-force-c-130-hercules-suffers-nose-wheel-collapse)
in April, when it sustained a nose wheel collapse at AFB Waterkloof.

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The C-130BZ Hercules (405) was preparing for a test-flight before the nose wheel
unintentionally retracted when the number 2 engine was started. It was slated to
replace the now stricken aircraft in Goma.

The C-130BZ are supported by three aging C-47 (DC-3) aircraft.

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