U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon Incident at MCAS Kaneohe Bay
🇺🇸 U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon Incident at MCAS Kaneohe Bay
On November 20, 2023, a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, registered 169561, assigned to Patrol Squadron 4, “The Skinny Dragons,” based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, experienced a significant incident. While attempting to land at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, the aircraft overshot the runway, resulting in an unplanned aquatic landing in Kaneohe Bay.
Boeing P-8A Poseidon: Technical Specifications Report
Aircraft Overview
- Model: Boeing P-8A Poseidon
- Role: Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft
- Manufacturer: Boeing Defense, Space & Security
- Derived From: Boeing 737-800
Technical Specifications
- Crew: 2 Naval Flight Officers, 3 Enlisted Aviation Warfare Operators/Naval Aircrewmen
- Length: Approximately similar to 737-800ERX
- Wingspan: Based on 737-900 wings
- Fuselage: Strengthened for low-altitude operations, longer than 737-700-based C-40 Clipper
- Wingtips: Raked, similar to Boeing 767-400ER
- Powerplant: Two engines with 180 kVA electric generators each
- Refueling System: Flying boom receptacle, compatible with USAF tankers
Armament and Equipment
- Weapons: Torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles
- Surveillance: Capable of deploying and monitoring sonobuoys
- Subsystems: High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability (HAAWC) for deploying torpedoes as glide bombs
- Fuel Tanks: Six additional tanks for extended endurance
Operational Capabilities
- Roles: Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW), Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR)
- Complementary Systems: Works in conjunction with MQ-4C Triton UAV for enhanced surveillance
Additional Features
- Flight Experience: Smoother compared to P-3, reducing crew fatigue
- Environmental Sensing: Hydrocarbon sensor for detecting diesel-powered submarines and ships
The Incident
At approximately 2 p.m. local time, the Poseidon, amidst cloudy and breezy conditions, was on its final approach. Unfortunately, the aircraft failed to stop on the runway, running off into the shallow waters of Kaneohe Bay. The bay, with a depth ranging from 5 to 25 feet, saw the aircraft submerged approximately 50 yards offshore. The main runway of the air station, oriented in a northeast-to-southwest direction, directly leads into these waters.
Nine personnel were on board, including three pilots, two officers, and four enlisted crew members. Remarkably, all individuals evacuated the aircraft without immediate injuries, demonstrating the crew’s preparedness and response training in emergency situations.
Emergency Response and Initial Assessment
The Honolulu Fire Department was among the first to respond, initially alerted for a “probable aircraft fire incident.” Emergency services, including federal firefighters, military police, air traffic control, fire rescue, and waterfront operations, quickly secured the scene.
Initial assessments indicated the aircraft to be structurally intact with no signs of fuel leakage. To mitigate environmental risks, floating barriers were deployed, and divers from the Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 worked overnight to stabilize the aircraft.
Investigation and Implications
The U.S. Navy, along with relevant authorities, has launched a thorough investigation into the incident. The focus is on understanding the causes, including potential technical or human factors, and on determining the future of the aircraft, which might be considered a total loss. This investigation is crucial, as the P-8A Poseidon plays a significant role in anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, and surveillance, as well as humanitarian response missions.
This incident at MCAS Kaneohe Bay highlights the inherent risks associated with military aviation. It underscores the need for continuous vigilance, training, and safety measures in operations. The Navy’s ongoing investigation will provide vital insights for future operational safety and aircraft design considerations.
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