Boeing Cargo Plane's Daring Gearless Landing In Istanbul, Investigation Underway

A Boeing Co BA cargo plane, operated by FedEx Corporation FDX, made an emergency landing at Istanbul airport without its front landing gear, marking the latest setback for the embattled planemaker.

Turkish Transport Ministry official said there were no casualties and authorities had launched an investigation.

Flying from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, the Boeing 767 alerted the control tower in Istanbul about the landing gear issue. 

The video captures the moment when the plane’s rear wheels make contact with the runway, followed by the fuselage, emitting sparks and smoke. The aircraft eventually comes to a stop after skidding along the runway. No fire appeared to have broken out.

The nearly decade-old Boeing 767 freighter involved in the incident is a commonly used cargo aircraft based on the 767 passenger model from the 1980s. 

Turkish transport ministry officials leading the investigation conducted on-site examinations for further insights into the malfunction, Reuters noted. However, specific details regarding the cause were not immediately disclosed.

FedEx, the shipping company, assured its cooperation with investigative authorities. FedEx is committed to sharing additional information as it becomes available, emphasizing its commitment to safety and transparency.

Despite such incidents, Istanbul Airport assured the public that other runways remained operational, minimizing disruptions to air traffic.

As Boeing deals with a growing crisis in the wake of a mid-air panel explosion on a 737 MAX plane in January, Boeing announced restructuring its management team in response to increasing criticism from regulators and investors.

Price Action: BA shares are up 0.8% at $178.24 at last check Wednesday.

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Photo: Shuttestock