New Zealand’s Air Force Conducts High-Risk Medical Evacuation of Three Americans from Antarctica
The New Zealand Air Force completed a high-risk medical evacuation of three Americans from Antarctica, a mission that spanned nearly 20 hours under freezing temperatures and total darkness. The operation took place on an ice runway, which required meticulous preparation to ensure safe landings. The U.S. National Science Foundation requested the evacuation due to the inability of the McMurdo Station staff to provide adequate medical treatment to three individuals, one of whom required urgent care.
Mid-winter flights to Antarctica are considered among the most challenging missions, according to Air Commodore Andy Scott, who heads New Zealand’s air component. Scott noted the difficulties posed by shifting weather patterns, extreme cold, and the necessity of creating and maintaining the runway for landings. The crew of the aircraft had to wait for detailed analysis of the weather and airfield state before attempting the flight, with the United States Antarctic Program Winter Team responsible for grooming the ice and ensuring it was suitable for landing.
The medical team, including a physician, was present on the aircraft to provide in-flight care during the return trip to Christchurch. Despite the challenges, the mission was described as ‘flawless’ by Melissa Sweeney, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to New Zealand, who expressed deep gratitude for the New Zealand partners’ prompt and skillful response to the emergency. The operation was conducted with a pre-positioned aircraft from Auckland to Christchurch, with a crew on standby for a favorable weather window. The crew made the decision to proceed with the flight on Tuesday, working through the night to complete the mission.
After landing on the ice runway, the aircraft’s engines remained running to prevent freezing during refueling. The round-trip mission lasted 19.5 hours, with the aircraft touching down in Christchurch on Wednesday morning. Temperatures at McMurdo Station during the operation dropped to -11°F, further compounding the already dangerous conditions. This evacuation demonstrates the critical importance of international collaboration in extreme environments and the significant risks involved in such high-stakes operations.