Sources, however, said the pilots apparently failed to keep the C-130J on the "centreline of the taxiway" after landing at the airfield at an altitude of over 10,000-feet. "They mistook another line to be the centreline (which provides obstacle clearance) at the airfield which has restricted space for manoeuvre. One of the wings and propeller of the aircraft then hit the pole and some other objects with great impact. "It's a freak accident, which has no bearing on his professional competence," said an officer.In all, India has ordered 13 C-130Js from the US for over $2.1 billion. The rugged C-17s and C-130Js have also been extensively used for providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief in India as well as the extended neighborhood.

Source: Times of India February 22, 2017 17:26 UTC