Landing gear detached from Cargolux jumbo during emergency landing

CARGOLUX BOEING 747-8R7F LX-VCF (MSN 35811)

On the 14th of May, a Cargolux Boeing 747-400 freighter operated flight CV6857 between Luxembourg Airport (LUX/ELLX) and Chicago O’Hare United States (ORD/KORD). 

After departing from runway 06 at 18.09 local, the aircraft was unable to retract its landing gear. The pilots climbed to 10,000 feet, then dumped fuel and headed back to Luxembourg. The aircraft landed back on 06 fifty-one minutes later at 19.00. On landing, the right body landing gear got detached from the aircraft. The 747 came to a controlled stop and was attended by emergency services.

Shortly after the incident, Cargolux released a press statement: “Cargolux would like to confirm that one of its aircraft, B747-400F bearing registration mark LX-OCV, suffered a significant landing incident at Luxembourg airport on Sunday evening.

No persons on board nor on the ground suffered any injuries. The relevant authorities have been informed of the incident. The aircraft remained on the runway and recovery efforts got underway immediately.

As the airport was forced to close, several aircraft diverted to nearby airports.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Cargolux

Code: CV/CLX

Aircraft: Boeing 747-4R7F

Registration: LX-OCV

Serial Number: 29731

Engines: 4 x RR RB211-524H

First Flew: 25th June 1999

Age: 23 Yrs 9 Mts