128th Air Refueling Wing plane lands safely, after experiencing a hydraulic problem while in the air

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- FOX6 News has learned a 128th Air Refueling Wing plane experienced hydraulic troubles while in the air.

It happened on Thursday afternoon, August 7th.

The plane -- a KC-135R Stratotanker experienced the mechanical issue during a routine, local aerial refueling mission.

128th Air Refueling Wing officials say after approximately two hours in flight, the aircraft experienced a hydraulic issue that prevented the boom from retracting after refueling another aircraft.

The four-person crew hoisted the boom to prevent it from touching the ground upon landing.

The four-person crew consisted of two pilots and two boom operators.

The aircraft landed safely.

A statement issued by the 128th Air Refueling Wing says: "The KC-135R has been a safe, effective and capable aircraft, due in part to our experienced and well-trained Airmen. Our aircrews receive outstanding training through the use of an on site KC-135R flight simulator, enabling them to effectively handle minor aircraft malfunctions such
as (Thursday's) incident. Our wing is a proud member of the Milwaukee community and boasts one of the highest
maintenance effective rates for air refueling wings in the Air National Guard."

"These things happen. Machines break. Due to our rigid maintenance standards, we plan for such contingencies, and we have extraordinary coordination that takes between maintenance and operations," 128th Air Wing Commander Col. James Locke said.