Breakdown strands Hercules in Antarctica

The stranding of a Hercules C-130 in Antarctica has left the airforce with only one of its seven transport aircraft available for emergencies.

Crew found a mechanical fault with a propeller after a warning light activated as the plane was taxiing for departure from McMurdo Sound last Wednesday.

Technicians had been working in challenging conditions to get the aircraft back in the air, Air Commodore Peter Stockwell said.

"They're rotating through a 10-minutes-on, 20-minutes-off schedule, sheltering in a hut in the off period. It's difficult for anyone to imagine what it would be like to effect repairs in these conditions and the team are true professionals."

Temperatures were ranging from minus 38C to minus 55C. The plane was expected to leave Antarctica later this week.

This latest breakdown has left the air force virtually stranded, with only one of its transport aircraft available for home operations.

Two of the fleet of five are in Canada undergoing upgrades and a third is with troops in Afghanistan.

More than 30 new or upgraded aircraft will be introduced into service by the end of 2011.

- NZPA