In the quiet morning hours of May 13, 2025, a routine operation at Latacunga-Cotopaxi International Airport in Ecuador turned perilous when a Lockheed C-130H Hercules, operated by the Ecuadorian Air Force, veered off the taxiway and came to rest in a ditch. The incident, which occurred shortly after the aircraft’s engines roared to life, sent a ripple of concern through the local community and aviation circles alike. Miraculously, no injuries or fatalities were reported, a testament to the swift response of the airport’s emergency teams and the skill of the crew aboard. Yet, the event has raised pressing questions about the maintenance and operational challenges facing one of Ecuador’s most vital military assets.
The aircraft, bearing the registration FAE-898, is a C-130H Hercules, a four-engine turboprop transport plane renowned for its durability and versatility. This particular aircraft was donated to Ecuador by the United States in March 2024, a gesture of bilateral cooperation aimed at bolstering the Ecuadorian Air Force’s transport capabilities. Stationed with the 11th Transport Wing at Cotopaxi Air Base in Latacunga, the Hercules is a workhorse, tasked with everything from troop transport to disaster relief missions across Ecuador’s diverse terrain. Its arrival last year was celebrated with a formal ceremony, attended by high-ranking officials from both nations, underscoring its importance to Ecuador’s military and humanitarian operations.
Preliminary reports indicate that the incident was triggered by a failure in the aircraft’s hydraulic system, which rendered the brakes inoperable. As the crew attempted to maneuver the plane along the taxiway, the loss of braking capability caused the Hercules to deviate from its path. Unable to stop or correct its course, the aircraft slid off the taxiway and into a ditch adjacent to the runway. The scene was chaotic yet controlled, as emergency protocols were swiftly enacted. Firefighters, medical personnel, and airport staff converged on the site, ensuring the safe evacuation of the crew and securing the area. The absence of fire, fuel leaks, or structural collapse was a stroke of fortune, preventing what could have been a far graver outcome.
The Ecuadorian Air Force has promised a detailed statement in the coming hours, outlining the circumstances of the incident and the steps that will follow. An investigation is already underway, with experts expected to examine the aircraft’s maintenance records, the condition of its hydraulic systems, and the actions of the crew. The C-130H, while a reliable platform, is not immune to mechanical issues, particularly in aging fleets. Hydraulic failures, though rare, can stem from a range of causes, including worn components, fluid leaks, or inadequate maintenance. Given that FAE-898 was extensively modernized before its transfer from the U.S. Air Force, questions will likely focus on whether the issue was a latent defect or a result of operational wear.
Latacunga-Cotopaxi International Airport, located at an elevation of 3,400 meters, is a critical hub for military aviation in Ecuador. Its high altitude and challenging weather conditions demand precision from both pilots and ground crews. The airport also serves as a base for the Ecuadorian Air Force’s 12th Wing and has a history of supporting scientific missions, including stratospheric balloon launches. The incident briefly disrupted operations, but the airport resumed normal activity soon after the situation was stabilized.
For the residents of Latacunga, the sight of the stranded Hercules was both alarming and a reminder of the aircraft’s significance. The C-130H is a familiar presence in the skies, often seen conducting training flights or delivering aid to remote regions. Its role in disaster response, particularly during Ecuador’s frequent natural calamities like earthquakes and floods, has made it a symbol of resilience. The fact that no lives were lost in this incident offers a measure of relief, but it also underscores the need for rigorous oversight to ensure such events remain rare.
As the investigation unfolds, the Ecuadorian Air Force faces the task of restoring confidence in its fleet. The C-130H, despite this mishap, remains a cornerstone of the nation’s military capabilities. Repairs to FAE-898 will likely be a priority, given the limited number of operational Hercules aircraft in Ecuador’s inventory. The incident also highlights the broader challenges of maintaining aging aircraft, a concern shared by air forces worldwide. For now, the focus is on understanding what went wrong and ensuring it does not happen again, preserving the Hercules’ legacy as a lifeline for Ecuador.
