The AFM's new KingAir maritime patrol aircraft made an emergency landing after its flying display during the Malta Airshow this afternoon after smoke was noticed in the cabin.

Informed sources said the smoke is thought to have been caused by a fault in the cooling system of the FLIR (forward infra-red system).

A fire engine was seen near the aircraft after it landed but there was no further incident.

It is not known if the aircraft will take part in the flying display tomorrow.

The €10m Beechcraft KingAir was commissioned by the AFM a few weeks ago.

The Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team was the star attraction of the flying display along  with the Swiss Air Force’s PC-7 team.

A Libyan Mirage F1 flown to Malta by a defecting pilot in February was the main source of interest on the tarmac, but visitors could also enjoy a wide variety of other aircraft including helicopters, business jets,  various military cargo aircraft, modern jets such as  RAF Tornado bombers and a WWII vintage Dakota DC-3 which was used for transport and paratroop attacks.

The show continues tomorrow.

http://www.maltairshow.com

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