Norway launches search for missing C-130J

Flight Global ^ | 3/16/2012 | Stephen Trimble

[U-238]

Norway has launched a search and rescue mission for a Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Hercules transport with five crew members aboard that went missing about 15:50 local time on 15 March.

A Westland Sea King helicopter from Bodo air base and a Lockheed P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft from Andoya air base are searching the C-130's last known position, according to the Rescue Coordination Centre of North Norway. Danish military helicopters have also been assigned to the activity, the Norwegian armed forces says in a statement.

The C-130J was last reported on radar slightly west of Kiruna in northern Sweden at 14:55, the rescue centre says. It had been en route to the location after taking off from Evenes in northern Norway.