AN AUSTRALIAN Defence Force inquiry has identified the cause of an incident which forced a Tamworth-based training plane to make an emergency landing near Gunnedah in June.
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The investigation found there was interference between a bolt in the rudder control system and the head of a floor pan fastener in the cockpit.
A Defence Force spokesman said no other instances of interference were found during the inspection of the fleet.
The incident occurred on June 10 when a pilot and trainee instructor with BAE Systems were carrying out a training flight over the Breeza Plains.
The CT-4B aircraft malfunctioned mid-air, forcing the pair to issue a may-day call.
It sparked an emergency response from authorities, and eventually the aircraft landed in a paddock off the Pullaming Stock Route.
The pilot and instructor walked away unscathed and the RAAF launched an investigation.
Following the inquiry, BAE Systems has incorporated a change to the aircraft configuration to ensure adequate clearance, and has introduced an ongoing check of clearance as part of routine aircraft savings.