TezJet plane loses landing gear during flight

Passengers have been left terrified after a plane lost its landing gear during its take-off run. The TezJet flight in Kyrgyzstan was travelling from Bishkek-Manas International Airport (BSZ/UCFM) to Osh Airport (OSS/UCFO) on the 7th of July when the incident happened. According to reports one of the rear landing gears collapsed during take-off and the plane tilted to one side. The pilots managed to bring the plane to a quick stop, but in the process, it tipped onto its left wing and spilled jet fuel across the runway. Fortunately, there was no fire.

In footage of the horrifying incident shared on social media, passengers can be seen evacuating via inflatable slides. The plane’s wing appears to be broken and lying on the ground, and the tail of the plane was also ripped away from the main fuselage. At the time, 181 people were on board: 152 adults, 11 teenagers, and 18 children. These figures include the two pilots and four flight attendants. 

There were no major injuries; however, some passengers reported cuts and bruises, according to the media. It has also been reported that the aircraft was a McDonnell Douglas MD-83 produced in December 1999. All flights from Manas Airport were temporarily suspended and an investigation is underway into the incident, as reported by Flight Global.

“Until the necessary verification activities are completed, a decision has been made to temporarily suspend the operation of TezJet aircraft,” the state civil aviation agency said.

“This is a purely preventative measure aimed at ensuring the highest level of flight safety.”

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Tez Jet Airlines

Aircraft: McDonnell Douglas MD-83

Registration: EX-80003

Serial number: 53487

Engines: 2 x PW JT8D-219
First flew:  01/031996
Age: 30.4 Years