Boeing 767 cargo plane executes safe landing in Istanbul despite landing gear failure; no injuries reported
Firefighting foam was then used to douse the aircraft. (Reuters)
Turkey’s transport ministry reported that a FedEx Airlines Boeing 767 cargo plane safely landed at Istanbul Airport on Wednesday despite not deploying its front landing gear. The aircraft managed to remain on the runway and no casualties were reported.
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Effective communication and response
The aircraft, which was flying from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, notified the control tower at Istanbul Airport about the failure of its landing gear to open. Despite this challenge, it successfully landed with guidance from the tower, according to the ministry’s statement.
Airport rescue and fire fighting teams were mobilized before the landing as a precautionary measure, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. The ministry did not provide any explanation for the landing gear failure.
The involved aircraft is a nearly 10-year-old Boeing 767 freighter, a widely used cargo plane model derived from the 767 passenger variant originating in the 1980s.
FedEx collaboration with investigation authorities
FedEx stated in a release that it was collaborating with investigation authorities and will provide “offer further information as it becomes accessible.”
Reuters obtained video footage showing sparks flying and smoke as the front of the plane scraped along the runway before eventually halting. Firefighting foam was then used to douse the aircraft.
The airport operator IGA stated that while the runway was temporarily closed to air traffic, other runways at the airport remained operational.
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Manufacturers typically aren’t directly involved in the operation or maintenance of jets once they enter service. However, Boeing has faced heightened media and regulatory scrutiny due to a series of incidents involving its smaller 737 aircraft.