A US military aircraft issued an emergency signal before vanishing from radar screens. The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, known as a ‘flying gas station’ for US military planes, transmitted the distress call over the Persian Gulf amid tensions with Iran. Departing from the Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, the aircraft’s signals were lost while flying over Qatar, according to Flightradar24 data.
The plane was reportedly involved in supporting US military operations in the Middle East amid ongoing conflicts since February. Flight tracking data revealed the aircraft flying in circles before descending for landing. The exact cause of the emergency triggering the 7700 distress signal remains uncertain, as this code can indicate various potential issues.
The activation of the 7700 emergency code signals to air traffic control that the aircraft is in distress and requires priority handling. This code serves as a general alert for emergencies other than hijacking (7500) or radio failure (7600). Upon detection of the 7700 code, airports prepare special emergency procedures with standby emergency services.
Approximately an hour after the emergency signal was detected, the aircraft’s transponder signal vanished while heading towards Qatar, a common operating area for US aircraft in the region. Following the signal loss, H125 light utility helicopters were observed in the vicinity. Iran’s Fars news agency reported the aircraft’s disappearance based on Flightradar24 data.
The KC-135 Stratotanker plays a crucial role in providing aerial refueling support to US Air Force operations. It features four turbofan engines mounted under 35-degree swept wings, enabling takeoffs at gross weights up to 322,500 pounds. Depending on its fuel configuration, the KC-135 can carry up to 83,000 pounds of cargo, as stated by the US Air Force.
In a separate incident in March, the US military reported the loss of a KC-135 in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury. No hostile or friendly fire caused the incident, and rescue operations were underway. REACH and its partners utilize cookies and device identifiers to enhance site experience, analyze usage, and deliver personalized ads. Users can opt out of data sale or sharing by clicking the designated button on the webpage. Acceptance of cookies and the associated practices signifies agreement with the Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions provided on the website.