An Azul Linhas Aéreas Airbus A320neo veered off the tarmac during a turn before take-off at Chapecó Airport in Brazil, with video capturing the moment its right main landing gear wheel strayed onto the dirt.
The incident occurred as flight AD7272, registration PR-YYI, prepared to depart for Viracopos Airport in Campinas on Saturday. The aircraft was filmed approaching the end of runway 30 before beginning a 180-degree turn to line up for take-off.
Wheel Strays Onto Dirt During Turn
As the pilots swung the plane right, the aircraft veered too far to one side, sending its right main landing gear wheel off the paved surface and onto the dirt. The wheel could be heard making a loud metallic clack as it passed over the uneven ground before returning to the tarmac.
The person filming said the pilots had waved at them shortly before the incident. Despite the mishap, the crew continued the manoeuvre and took off as planned.
Aircraft Sent for Maintenance After Landing
The plane landed safely in Campinas around an hour later, at 11:34 am, arriving 16 minutes ahead of schedule. However, the aircraft was sent for maintenance and did not fly again that day.
It is expected to return to service with a flight to Belém.
