Military plane with damaged tire lands safely at the Boise Airport Thursday

Idaho Statesman
Published: 10/14/10

The A-10 Wartog damaged one of its three tires on take-off, but it landed without incident, according to Idaho National Guard spokesman Col. Tim Marsano.

The plane was part of a group of four military planes that landed at the airport at 5:35 p.m. Emergency personnel were on standby at the airport.

Marsano said Warthogs are able to land reasonably well, even with a damaged tire. He said such in-flight emergencies aren't uncommon.

"It's certainly not a welcome experience," Marsano said.

Marsano did not know if the plane was an Idaho National Guard plane because the 190th Fighter Squadron is hosting the "Hawgsmoke 2010" competition.

Eighteen teams and more than 40 aircraft are competing. More than 200 pilots and maintenance personnel are visiting Gowen Field for the competition, a biennial, worldwide A-10 bombing, missile, and tactical gunnery competition.

Idaho National Guard officials say Hawgsmoke is an intense competition to hone combat skills as well as an opportunity to build camaraderie and fellowship of the world's premier Close Air Support fighter, the A-10 "Warthog."

Source