On November 24, 2024, a DHL cargo aircraft, a Boeing 737-400 (Reg. EC-MFE) operating flight BCS18D, experienced a crash landing near Vilnius Airport in Lithuania. The incident occurred at approximately 0330 GMT, with the plane crashing into residential homes in the Liepkalnis area after its landing gear failed to deploy properly. The crash resulted in the tragic loss of one life, while three others on board were rescued. The aircraft, operated by DHL's partner airline, Aero Expreso, was en route from Leipzig, Germany, to Vilnius. Upon approach, the pilots encountered issues with the landing gear.
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Despite attempts to resolve the problem, the situation escalated, leading to a decision for an emergency landing. The plane overshot the runway, skidding off and striking two houses, which caught fire due to the impact. Vilnius Airport officials and local emergency services responded swiftly to the scene. Firefighters managed to extinguish the fires that had begun to spread from the crash site. The area was secured, and an investigation was launched to determine the cause of the landing gear malfunction and to assess the response measures post-accident.
The tragedy has raised concerns about aviation safety, particularly regarding cargo operations. DHL issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the incident, confirming that they are cooperating fully with the authorities to understand what went wrong. The airline also committed to supporting the affected families and reviewing its safety protocols to prevent future occurrences. This incident marks a significant event in the aviation community, highlighting the risks associated with cargo flights, which often operate under less stringent passenger-related safety regulations.
The Lithuanian police and the State Border Guard Service are also involved in the investigation, focusing on the sequence of events leading to the crash and the adherence to safety procedures by the flight crew and ground control. Airport operations at Vilnius were not significantly disrupted, with the airport managing to maintain its schedule through alternative runways and operational adjustments. However, the event has sparked a broader discussion on emergency procedures, aircraft maintenance, and the safety training of pilots in handling unexpected technical failures.