Iron Maiden's 747 Ed Force One was badly damaged in a runway accident at a Santiago, Chile airport. It was tethered to a tow truck to be taken for refuelling prior to flying over the Andes to Cordoba. On moving the steering pin that is part of the mechanism that connects the ground tug to the aircraft seemingly fell out. On making a turn the aircraft had no steering and collided with the ground tug badly damaging the undercarriage, two of the aircrafts engines and injuring two ground tug operators, both of whom have been taken to hospital. The flight engineers were on site evaluating the damage, but their initial report is that the engines have suffered large damage and will require an extended period of maintenance and possibly two new engines. Despite this, it shouldn't affect their concert schedule including the 2 shows in Cordoba and Buenos Aires.

The band's latest update reveals that the tour will continue as planned: "We are happy to tell our fans in Cordoba that our Killer Krew has sorted out all logistics for us to be there with our full show for you all tomorrow. We expect no disruption to the tour in any way and are looking for a replacement 747 Ed Force One while our current beauty is healed. More news on that later. Until then, believe me, we will get to you all on this tour one way or another wherever you are. We are also delighted to say that we have been officially informed that the two Chilean airport staff who were injured following the malfunction of the tow truck connecting bolt will make a complete recovery. Best wishes to them and their families. Up the Irons! See you soon. And thanks Chile, what an amazing reaction and show!"

Source:	ironmaiden.com
Band profile:	Iron Maiden