RAF plane declares emergency and lands at Norwich Airport |
The Airbus A400M Atlas left RAF Brize Norton at 12.41pm.
It flew off the coast of Norfolk and completed some laps before coming back inland.
The aircraft declared the emergency at around 3.05pm when it was close to Caister, before landing at Norwich Airport at 3.22pm.
The reason for the diversion has not been confirmed, but one source said: "I was told the Airbus 400M squawked 7700 over the North Sea due to a smoke issue in the cockpit and had to dump fuel over the North Sea to make the landing less heavy and safe.
"On the ground, fire crews were inspecting the A400M and everything seemed to be okay.
"At the moment, it’s still on the deck and the pilots are in safe hands."
The Airbus A400M Atlas is a four-engine turboprop transport aircraft stationed at RAF Brize Norton.
It serves as the Royal Air Force’s main aircraft for tactical airlift, transporting oversized loads, and delivering humanitarian aid worldwide.
RAF Brize Norton has been contacted for comment.