Brazil to remove aircraft from Antarctica more than two years after crash

Members of the Brazilian air force are returning to the site of an Antarctic crash from more than two years ago to dismantle the remains of their Hercules C-130.

The plane's engines and lubricants in the aircraft had already been removed to ensure they did not leak and cause any environmental impact to Antarctica - a condition of Brazil being a signatory to the Madrid Protocol.

A Brazilian Air Force pilot crashed the rescue plane while landing at Teniente R Marsh Airport, Antarctica's northernmost airfield on King George Island, on 27 November 2014.

In footage of the crash, a small explosion can be seen as the pilot attempts to brake while the plane skids off the runway.

Snow surrounds the plane as it eventually comes to a stop.

Removal of the plane will take an estimated 20 days, depending on weather conditions, according Chilean radio news service Cooperativa.

All parts will be shipped back to Brazil with researchers from the Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station, who are being rotated.