A hard landing at Ramstein Air Base in 2020 damaged a C-130J’s structural integrity, which led to it becoming the first of the type to receive a wing replacement in the field.

A C-130J Super Hercules flew again with a new pair of wings on Jul. 26, 2025, after being grounded for five years at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The aircraft, assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron (37th AS), 86th Airlift Wing (86th AW), sustained extensive damage to its wings and structure following a hard landing at Ramstein on Apr. 23, 2020. Contents A hard landing at Ramstein Air Base in 2020 damaged a C-130J’s structural integrity, which led to it becoming the first of the type to receive a wing replacement in the field. Wing replacement and return to flight C-130J mishap and cause Efforts paid

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