A Boeing 767 cargo plane operated by FedEx was compelled to execute an emergency landing at Istanbul airport after its front landing gear malfunctioned, marking yet another setback for the troubled aircraft manufacturer.
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Thankfully, no injuries were reported in the incident, confirmed by Turkey’s transport ministry. Departing from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, the flight encountered difficulties when its landing gear failed to deploy upon approach to Istanbul airport on Wednesday. With guidance from the air traffic control tower, the aircraft successfully landed, albeit without its front landing gear.
Emergency services were on standby as the plane made its dramatic descent. Following the landing, authorities initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the landing gear failure, conducting thorough examinations at the scene.
Video footage captured the tense moments as the plane’s back wheels made contact with the runway, followed by its fuselage, emitting sparks and smoke from its underside. Despite the harrowing scene, the aircraft managed to skid to a halt, remaining on the runway.
In response to the incident, the affected runway was temporarily closed to air traffic. However, operations on other runways at the airport continued uninterrupted, as confirmed by the airport operator IGA.
This incident amplifies concerns over Boeing’s safety record, amidst a series of crises and safety issues. Just one day prior, Boeing disclosed potential lapses in mandatory safety inspections on its 787 Dreamliner aircraft, prompting an investigation by the US regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration.
These revelations follow recent allegations by a whistleblower engineer accusing Boeing of cutting corners to alleviate production bottlenecks during the manufacturing of the 787. Boeing had previously pledged to overhaul its safety culture, particularly after an alarming incident in January involving an Alaska Airlines 737 Max plane, where a door panel blew out mid-flight.
The aerospace giant had been striving to recover from the fallout of two fatal crashes involving the 737 Max in 2018 and 2019, which led to the global grounding of the model for nearly two years.
As investigations into Wednesday’s incident unfold, FedEx and Boeing have been approached for comment, though Boeing has declined to provide any statements at this time.
