At approximately 10:25 am today, Tuesday, a military aircraft reported a malfunction and the need for an emergency landing at Yakima Air Terminal-McAllister Field.
Crews at Yakima Fire Department (YFD) Fire Station 94 were notified of an F-18 Navy aircraft that required an emergency engine shut down due to a warning light. The aircraft was escorted by another F-18. Both landed safely and were able to be secure without incident. The aircraft were F-18 Growlers out of Whidbey Island.
YFD sent the Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) apparatus, a Battalion Chief, the Truck Company, and three Engine Companies. West Valley Fire Department also sent one Engine Company. AMR responded as well. The Yakima Police Department responded and temporarily closed traffic on 40th Avenue, 16th Avenue and Spring Creek Road.
The Yakima Air Terminal was shut down for a brief period and re-opened after airport staff completed runway checks to look for fluid or foreign object debris (FOD). None was found.
The aircraft were secured and the emergent incident was complete. All units were released from the scene and roads were re-opened.
A total of 20 firefighters responded to the scene.