A Turkish Airlines flight turned into a scene of panic when the aircraft collided with a radar mast while taxiing at Antalya International Airport on June 11. The impact caused the mast to pierce the fuselage, triggering the deployment of oxygen masks inside the cabin.
Incident Details
The Boeing 777, operating as flight TK2430 from Istanbul, struck the mast after landing while taxiing to its parking position. The right wing hit the radar mast with such force that the mast collapsed and penetrated the side of the aircraft. Video footage showed oxygen masks dangling from damaged overhead compartments as passengers screamed.
Passenger Evacuation
All 267 passengers and crew were safely evacuated by emergency services. Only one passenger sustained minor injuries. The aircraft, a 17-year-old Boeing 777-300ER registered TC-LKD, had recently ended a lease with IndiGo and still bore that carrier's livery. It suffered substantial damage to its right wing and fuselage, requiring major repairs.
Investigation Underway
Turkish Airlines launched a technical investigation. According to the Turkish Ministry of Transport, the plane entered the taxiway from the wrong lane after landing and collided with a ground radar mast on apron-1. After evacuation and safety checks, the aircraft was towed to the parking area.
An inquiry into the incident is currently underway.
