Landing gear problems force F-111 to dump fuel.

Landing gear problems force F-111 to dump fuel. 18/07/2006. ABC News Online

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Last Update: Tuesday, July 18, 2006. 12:19pm (AEST)
The plane is circling over Moreton Bay to lose fuel before an attempt is made to bring it into Amberley [File photo].

The plane is circling over Moreton Bay to lose fuel before an attempt is made to bring it into Amberley [File photo]. (ADF)

Landing gear problems force F-111 to dump fuel

An emergency situation has been declared at the Air Force base at Amberley in south-east Queensland where an F-111 has been trying to make an emergency landing.

It is understood the plane got into trouble at 11.30am AEST with landing gear difficulties.

The crew is now circling over Moreton Bay to lose fuel before an attempt is made to bring the crippled plane into Amberley.

An RAAF spokesman says one of the options is to ditch the plane into the ocean, but a decision will not be made for at least an hour.

Emergency authorities are on standby.

It is also understood the RAAF has a plan to evacuate the air base if necessary.

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