Qatar Airways Boeing 787’s Main Landing Gear Sank into Tarmac at Doha Airport

On October 25, 2024, a Qatar Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as flight QR663 from Colombo, Sri Lanka to Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH), and after touching down and while heading into the assigned parking area, two wheels of the aircraft’s right main landing gear unexpectedly sank into an unstable section of the airport’s apron.

Aircraft involved

Qatar Airways Boeing 787
Photo by Curimedia

The Qatar Airways Boeing 787 involved, is a 787-8 Dreamliner, registered as A7-BCV, encountered a sudden collapse in the pavement underneath its right main landing gear. This collapse caused the wheels to sink nearly a meter into the ground, resulting in the aircraft tilting onto its right side, with the engine resting directly on the tarmac.

Airport’s response

The incident prompted a rapid response from the Hamad International Airport operations team, who immediately secured the area to ensure safety and begin the damage assessment. Both the apron and the aircraft sustained notable damage. The team worked to stabilize the situation, ensuring the safety of all personnel and beginning the initial repair steps for both the airport surface and the damaged portions of the aircraft.

Qatar Airways Boeing 787 Fleet

Qatar Airways operates a robust fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 30 787-8 and 18 787-9, designed to support long-haul routes with enhanced efficiency and passenger comfort. The airline received its first Boeing 787-8 in 2012, and today, its fleet includes 30 of these aircraft, with the majority active in service. Known for their fuel efficiency, the Dreamliners use about 20% less fuel and emit 20% less CO₂ compared to similar-sized jets, aligning well with Qatar Airways’ sustainability goals.

Photo by Anna Zvereva

The Boeing 787-9 joined Qatar Airways’ lineup more recently, debuting on routes from Doha to major cities like Milan, Barcelona, and Kuala Lumpur. This model features the innovative Adient Ascent Business Class Suite, which provides 1-2-1 configurations for direct aisle access and flatbed seating, enhancing the in-flight experience. The 787-9s have become a mainstay on high-demand routes, bolstering the airline’s commitment to both luxury and efficiency. The continued use of these aircraft highlights Qatar Airways’ dedication to reducing its environmental impact while delivering top-tier service to its passengers.

Join us on TELEGRAM for the Latest Aviation Updates fresh to your phone

You might also like:


Discover more from Aviation for Aviators

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a comment