C-5A Catches Fire; 8 in Crew Escape

FAIRFIELD, Calif. —  One of the Air Force’s giant C-5A cargo jets caught fire Friday after a mechanical malfunction forced it to land at Travis Air Force Base, military officials said.

Eight crew members escaped safely but suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to the base medical center, said Lt. Col. Jim Dilda, Travis public affairs chief.

The four-engine transport was practicing takeoffs and landings during a routine local training mission when it experienced a mechanical malfunction, Dilda said. The plane landed and was rolling toward the flight line when the fire broke out at about 11:15 a.m., he said.