Keesler Crews Solve C-130 Illness Mystery

Aircrews at Keesler AFB, Miss., solved a long-standing health problem associated with flying on C-130 Hercules aircraft, the Biloxi (Miss.) Sun-Herald reported in April 10 issues. Maintenance technicians with the 403rd Wing determined that small shard of metal in the planes’ pressurization systems were causing pilots and crews to experience problems with their ears, nasal cavities, and eye sockets. The complaints were deemed serious enough to warrant grounding of aircraft. With the problem now identified, inspection of the rivets will become part of the normal maintenance procedure on C-130 aircraft.