A military aircraft veered off a runway and plunged nose-first into a ditch on Tuesday morning after suffering a brake malfunction at Cotopaxi International Airport in Latacunga, Ecuador. The incident involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport plane, recently donated to the Ecuadorian Air Force by the United States.

According to official statements, the four-engine aircraft began to move uncontrollably during its engine start-up procedure. Both the main and emergency braking systems failed to respond, causing the plane to roll down the taxiway and veer off-course. The aircraft ultimately came to rest with its nose lodged in a ditch adjacent to the runway.

Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene to assist the crew and seven passengers aboard. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Aviation expert Nicolás Larenas, speaking to NeedToKnow, confirmed the aircraft "experienced brake problems" shortly after start-up. He noted the plane ended up on the side of the taxiway due to the malfunction.

In an official statement, the Ecuadorian Air Force said: “During the engine start procedure, the aircraft began to roll without any response from the main and emergency brakes, causing the aircraft to taxi away.”

The plane, registered as FAE-898, was preparing for a flight to Guayaquil when the accident occurred. The aircraft had not yet left the ground when the failure occurred.

FAE personnel began recovery operations shortly after the incident, working to remove the stricken aircraft from the ditch and assess the damage.

This particular C-130 Hercules is the only one of its kind in Ecuador. Donated by the US in March 2024, it was intended to bolster the country’s defence logistics and humanitarian capabilities, including the transport of military personnel and cargo.

The Ecuadorian military confirmed that an investigation into the accident is underway.

Preliminary findings suggest a failure in the aircraft's hydraulic system may have contributed to the brake malfunction.