An Italian military plane, tasked with supporting Antarctic operations, has successfully landed in Christchurch after experiencing some dramatic moments mid-air.

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules, a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft, captured the world’s attention last night.

As it circled overhead, it quickly became the most-tracked flight on Flight Radar online, with more than 1800 viewers globally, before touching down at Christchurch International Airport.

A spectacular photo of the aircraft was captured outside the United States Antarctic Programme hangar at Christchurch Airport.

The aircraft has a wingspan of 40.5m and weighs nearly 35,000kg.

Sean Tully, a spokesman for the airport, confirmed the Italian C-130 was supporting Antarctic operations.

“The Italians have done this in the past – it’s nothing new for the programme,” Tully said.

“[The plane was] circling to manage a minor tech issue prior to landing.”

Tully confirmed the plane landed safely.

The C-130 can airdrop loads of more than 19,000kg or use its high-flotation landing gear to land and deliver cargo on rough, dirt strips.

It uses an aft-loading ramp and door to accommodate a wide variety of oversized cargo.

Jazlyn Whales is a multimedia journalist based in the Christchurch newsroom.