Ocean Grove residents left stunned after RAAF aircraft swoops

Footage has emerged of a military aircraft flying close to houses and a beach in the wake of a helicopter crash near the same stretch of coastline. WATCH

Footage has emerged of a military aircraft flying close to houses and a beach in Ocean Grove in the wake of a helicopter crash near the same stretch of coastline.

A number of residents called triple-zero on Wednesday such was their anxiety at seeing the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) plane circling overhead, while others were quick to film the incredibly rare sight.

The C-130 Hercules, a medium sized tactical air-lifter, appeared to complete a number of manoeuvres in proximity to households and the beach.

A RAAF plane flying low over houses and the coastline at Ocean Grove.

Video captured showed the plane, based at the RAAF base in Richmond in New South Wales, perform a series of “low flying exercises”.

“It was coming straight for our house (I) nearly s*** myself it was that close,” one local, Karen Vassallo, said.

“It turned last minute.”

Another resident, Matthew Sage said, “I thought my mind was playing tricks on me”.

A spokesman from the Australian Defence Force confirmed the aircraft, measuring more than 34m long with a wingspan of 40m, conducted a routine “low-level training flight” in the vicinity of Ocean Grove.

A RAAF plane flying low over houses and the coastline at Ocean Grove.

It comes after a commercial helicopter crashed into the ocean between Ocean Grove and Point Lonsdale last week.

The shocking incident was witnessed by beachgoers, with one jogger forced to wade into the water and help save passengers.

Two people, including the pilot, were flown to a Melbourne hospital while one passenger was taken to Geelong.

An investigation into the crash is underway.

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Originally published as Ocean Grove residents left stunned after RAAF aircraft swoops