Smoke Detected in Landing Gear as Passengers Evacuated from Turkish Airlines Flight

Passenger Evacuation Due to Smoke in Landing Gear

On Tuesday, July 29, a Turkish Airlines flight was evacuated after smoke was spotted in the landing gear. The incident occurred when the Boeing 777-300, which had departed from Istanbul and made a normal landing at Antalya Airport, was being taxied. Ground crews noticed smoke coming from the landing gear, prompting an immediate response.

According to Enes Çakmak, a leader of Turkey’s General Directorate of State Airports Authority, the smoke was observed during taxiing and reported to the pilot by the air traffic controller. This led to swift coordination between the control tower and Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) units. The teams arrived on the scene promptly, ensuring the safety of all onboard.

All 247 passengers and 13 crew members were evacuated without any injuries. Video footage obtained by local Turkish outlet Mynet shows passengers panicking at the foot of deployed emergency exit slides. Both adults and children ran away from the aircraft as rescue crews worked in the background.

The incident followed a similar event on July 26, when an American Airlines flight was evacuated at Denver International Airport due to a mechanical issue. The Miami-bound flight experienced a problem involving a tire and flames, leading to a minor brake fire that was quickly extinguished by the Denver Fire Department. One passenger was taken to the hospital with a minor injury.

Details of the Turkish Airlines Incident

Yahya Üstün, Turkish Airlines’ senior vice president of communications, stated that a “technical malfunction” caused the incident. According to initial findings, the smoke was attributed to a technical malfunction in the hydraulic pipe. Technical inspections of the aircraft have been initiated by authorized teams.

A video shared by Çakmak on X shows firefighters spraying water on the landing gear. Two photos capture the plane with its emergency exit slides deployed. Another clip shows the plane safely towed after inspection. Çakmak expressed gratitude to all colleagues, particularly the air traffic control and ARFF teams, for their prompt and effective response.

Similar Incidents in the Aviation Industry

The Turkish Airlines incident highlights the importance of quick action and proper protocols in aviation safety. In the case of the American Airlines flight, the Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident. The airline reported that the combination of blown tires and deceleration during braking resulted in a minor isolated brake fire.

Footage from the American Airlines incident was posted on Instagram, showing passengers evacuating the smoking plane via an inflatable emergency exit slide. Those with small children held onto their kids as they went down.

These events underscore the need for continuous monitoring and maintenance of aircraft systems. While such incidents are rare, they serve as reminders of the critical role that safety measures play in the aviation industry.

Lessons Learned and Future Steps

Both airlines have emphasized the importance of timely responses and thorough investigations. Turkish Airlines has initiated technical inspections, while American Airlines is cooperating with the FAA to determine the root cause of the mechanical issues.

Passengers and crew members were fortunate to be unharmed in both cases, but these incidents highlight the potential risks involved in air travel. Airlines and regulatory bodies must remain vigilant to ensure the highest standards of safety.

As technology advances, so too must the protocols and training for handling emergencies. The aviation industry continues to evolve, incorporating new safety measures and innovations to prevent such incidents in the future.

By learning from each event and implementing necessary changes, airlines can enhance their safety records and provide a more secure experience for passengers. The commitment to safety remains a top priority for all stakeholders in the aviation sector.