A part of a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft fell from the sky and landed in the parking lot of a South Carolina school on Thursday afternoon, according to sources familiar with the incident.
The fallen piece, believed to be the rear tail cone of the aircraft, was reported by a high-ranking military pilot, who confirmed that the object had flown off the plane during its flight. The incident occurred outside Divine Redeemer School in Hanahan at approximately 4 p.m.
Fortunately, no injuries or property damage were reported. Officials from Joint Base Charleston confirmed that the C-17 crew became aware of the malfunction mid-flight and safely returned to base. A recovery team was sent to retrieve the detached tail cone from the school parking lot.
The incident is now under investigation, and military authorities are working to determine the cause of the malfunction that led to the detachment of the aircraft part. Local authorities have also been contacted for additional information.
Boeing, the manufacturer of the C-17, has faced other safety concerns throughout 2024. Earlier this year, a Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliner had to return to Portland International Airport after a panel used to plug an exit door area blew out shortly after takeoff, highlighting ongoing issues with some of the aerospace giant’s aircraft.
Officials have not yet provided further details on the potential causes of Thursday’s incident or any immediate safety concerns related to the C-17 aircraft.
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