Today, a DHL Boeing 757-200F returned to Leipzig Airport, Germany after the main cargo door opened soon after take-off from runway 26L.
According to the AvHerald, the B757F, registration G-DHKZ and performing flight QY-126 from Leipzig to Frankfurt/Main (Germany), was in its initial climb out of Leipzig’s runway 26L when, at about 5300 feet, the crew stopped the climb due to the main cargo door opening completely. Several parts separated from the airframe and were distributed over the ground around the Schkopau coal power plant, located about 10km west of Leipzig Airport.
The aircraft touched down on runway 08R about 15 minutes after departure, it then stopped about 1500 meters down the runway. The aircraft remained on the runway for about 40 minutes before it was moved to the tarmac. About 12 hours after landing the affected aircraft is still on the ground and has sustained substantial damage.
Germany’s BFU (German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation) confirmed that the cargo door apparently opened in flight and that investigators have been dispatched; it has also been reported that nobody was injured and no freight was ejected from the aircraft.
Cover photo by Timmo. Capt Yank&Bank