AN IN-FLIGHT ENGINE explosion is thought to have prompted the latest grounding of the South African Air Force's (SAAF) aging fleet of Aermacchi MB.326 Impala fighter aircraft.
This is the third time in the past two years that the SAAF Impala fleet has been grounded, but it is the first related to an engine failure. Previous groundings were caused by airframe and main-spar fatigue.
The SAAF says that the latest grounding is precautionary, with an investigation now being carried out. Preventative inspections are being carried out on the aircraft.
Both the Impala MkI, (the two-seat trainer) and the single-seat Impala MkII, are powered by the Rolls-Royce Viper.
Source: Flight International