Incident Overview
A Lufthansa Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, scheduled to fly to Los Angeles, experienced a sudden collapse of its nose landing gear while parked at Frankfurt Airport on Thursday. The incident occurred at approximately 12:45 PM CEST (11:45 AM BST), causing injuries to several airline employees who were on board at the time.
Details from Lufthansa
Lufthansa confirmed the incident to the dpa news agency, stating that the aircraft's nose landing gear unexpectedly folded in while the plane was stationary. A spokesperson elaborated: "The aircraft's nose landing gear unexpectedly folded in while parked. At the time of the incident, crew and ground staff were on board. Passengers had not yet boarded. Several employees were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment."
Flight Information
The affected aircraft was operating flight LH450, which was destined for Los Angeles International Airport. Images from the scene show the nose of the plane resting on the runway, with emergency services responding promptly.
Response and Investigation
Emergency crews at Frankfurt Airport, Germany's largest aviation hub, attended to the injured personnel. The cause of the landing gear collapse is under investigation, with Lufthansa cooperating fully with aviation authorities. No passengers were on board at the time, minimizing potential casualties.
Broader Context
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the Boeing 787 Dreamliner's landing gear system, though such failures are rare. Lufthansa operates a fleet of 787-9 aircraft on long-haul routes, and this event may prompt additional safety checks.
