On September 16, 2023, a Lufthansa Airbus A321, registered as D-AIRU, experienced a significant incident during its landing at Ibiza Airport. The aircraft was operating flight LH-1466 from Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) in Germany.
The Incident
During the landing attempt at around 14:55 local time, both of the tires on the right-hand main landing gear of the aircraft burst. This unexpected event caused the aircraft to become disabled about 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) down the runway.
.gif)
Impact on Airport Operations
The disabled aircraft led to a complete shutdown of all operations at Ibiza Airport. The closure lasted approximately four hours, causing significant disruption to the airport's schedule. As a result, 14 different aircraft were forced to divert to nearby airports, including Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI).
Investigation and Aftermath
The incident is part of a series of mechanical issues involving Lufthansa aircraft. Other recent incidents include an engine irregularity on a Boeing 747-400 and an engine shutdown on another Airbus A321. The Brazilian Air Force has sent a team from Manaus to collect information and preserve any evidence that could be used for the investigation into the crash.
The Bottom Line
This incident underscores the importance of rigorous maintenance and safety checks for all aircraft. It also highlights the potential impact that such incidents can have on airport operations and passenger schedules. As investigations continue, it is hoped that lessons will be learned to prevent such accidents in the future.