Emirates in tail strike at Melbourne
An Emirates Airlines Airbus A340 was involved in a tail scrape during take-off from Melbourne airport yesterday (March 21) damaging the aircraft and runway lighting. The aircraft managed to return after a fuel dump.
The aircraft an Airbus A340-500 (registration A6-ERG) was heading for Dubai when the incident occurred. 225 passengers were on board. No-one was injured.
A sister aircraft to that involved in the tailstrike at Melbourne
Departing from RWY 16 the aircraft experienced a tail-scrape and subsequently damaged some of the runway lighting at the threshold. Passengers onboard reported that the tail hit the ground more than once before becoming airborne showering the rear of the aircraft with sparks
The crew reported smoke inside the aircraft and decided to return to the airfield after dumping fuel over Port Philip Bay after climbing to a safe height or around 6500 feet
Flight EK-407 then returned to Melbourne where it landed heavily on Melbourne's runway 34 and was able to taxi to the apron after being checked out by emergency services.
Severe abrasions occured to the tail skin and several access panels were ripped off during the tailstrike, the landing reportedly caused additional damage to the gear. It will remain at Melbourne for repairs.
The incident is being investigated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and according to NOTAMS the runway will remain closed until March 23.
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