By Kevin Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – Cracks discovered in the wings of some Air Force cargo planes have prompted officials at Scott Air Force Base to ground part of their fleet.
Thirty C-130 cargo aircraft have been grounded and 60 others placed on restricted duty.
The cracks were actually discovered in 2001, but engineers deemed them to be well within safety standards.
Since then, officials say the cracks have grown faster than anticipated. Lieutenant Colonel Claudia Foss says the affected planes are being replaced.
"We're committed to meeting our requirements to the war fighters around the world, and we're working together with the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve, and we're flying as safe as possible," Foss said.
He says the cracks have produced no safety mishaps.