RNZAF completes high-risk mid-winter medical evacuation from Antarctica

Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel have successfully carried out a complex mid-winter medical evacuation from McMurdo Station in Antarctica.

The urgent mission involved a C-130J Hercules and was requested by the United States National Science Foundation after a staff member at the US-run base required medical attention that could not be provided on site. Two additional individuals needing medical care were also evacuated.

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Air Component Commander Air Commodore Andy Scott said conditions in Antarctica during winter make it one of the most challenging operations for RNZAF crews.

“The crew can only attempt the flight after detailed analysis of the weather and airfield state,” he said. “The United States Antarctic Program Winter Team must physically create the runway before we can depart by ensuring the ice is groomed and suitable for landing.”

Scott said the crew operated using night vision goggles and had to contend with extreme cold, constantly changing weather, and no alternate landing options once the aircraft crossed a certain point south.

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“These missions are not taken lightly. With the support of Antarctica New Zealand and the United States National Science Foundation staff in Antarctica, we have been able to complete the flight and the patients are now getting the medical treatment they need in Christchurch.”

New Zealand Defence Force medical personnel, including a doctor, were on board the flight to care for the patients during the return journey.

The aircraft had been pre-positioned from Auckland to Christchurch on Sunday while the crew waited for a safe weather window.

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On Tuesday afternoon, the decision was made to proceed. The crew worked through the night to complete the operation, with the aircraft landing on ice under cover of darkness. Engines were kept running while the plane was refueled, a process known as “hot refuelling,” before returning to Christchurch.