Teamwork, training and the durability of the C-17 Globemaster
III are what got a McChord aircraft safely on the ground after it
was attacked by hostile forces over Baghdad International Airport,
Iraq, according to the aircrew.
The five crewmembers recently recounted what happened during the
10-minutes from when their No. 2 engine exploded shortly after
take-off, to when they safely landed the C-17 back at Baghdad IAP.
An Air Mobility Command investigation team determined hostile
action caused the catastrophic explosion and continues to
investigate to determine what exactly struck the aircraft. The
mission's aircraft commander said he knew right away they were hit
by something.
"The impact just shuddered the plane," said Capt. Paul Sonstein, a
pilot in the 62nd Airlift Wing h