USAF C-17 Suddenly Has An Engine Backfire!

On October 21, 2006, spectators at the Richmond Airshow in Australia witnessed a startling event when a C-17 Globemaster III experienced an engine backfire during its display.

The C-17, a massive military transport aircraft renowned for its ability to carry heavy loads and operate from short runways, was part of the show’s main attraction.

As the aircraft began its routine, one of its Pratt & Whitney PW2000 engines emitted a loud bang, followed by a burst of smoke. The sudden backfire caught the attention of the crowd, causing a moment of concern.

However, the experienced crew quickly regained control of the situation, shutting down the affected engine and safely completing the maneuver. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft remained stable throughout the incident.

While engine backfires are rare in modern military aircraft, they can occur due to a variety of factors, including sudden changes in airflow or fuel issues.