RAAF Grounds Hawk Fighter Training Aircraft

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has grounded Hawk fighter training planes at two RAAF air bases following a shutdown of one such aircraft during taxiing for take-off in Western Australia.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the Hawk aircraft would be grounded until investigators determine the exact cause of the malfunction.

A preliminary investigation revealed that fuel contamination was not the cause of the incident.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) acquired 33 Hawks under the 1995-96 budget, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

The two-seater aircraft are used for initial fighter training to prepare aircrew for flying F18 Hornets and F-111 strike aircraft.