On the 24th of September, a West Atlantic Sweden-operated Boeing 737 freighter overran the runway at Montpellier Méditerranée Airport and came to stop in the Mauguio pond.
The Swiftair Boeing 737-400 freighter (operating on behalf of West Atlantic Sweden), with registration EC-NLS, was performing flight SWN5745 from Paris CDG to Montpellier, France. However, it overran the runway and ended up about 200 meters past the runway end with the nose gear in the water.
The aircraft’s nose was partially submerged in the water, as reported by the airport officials. Three crew members were on board the cargo flight and left the scene unhurt.
The accident took place at around 2:50 a.m., when a storm swept through the airport. It is possible that intense rainfall may have been a factor in the accident. The Bureau Enquête Analyze (BEA) has opened an investigation into the incident and four BEA agents are expected on site, to carry out a thorough investigation of the incident.
Following the incident, flight operations were suspended at Montpellier Airport until further notice. The aircraft is still immobilised at the end of the runway with its nose stuck in the pond, awaiting resources to tow it back. Firefighters including water rescue specialists and airport safety personnel are working to clear the site.
“As a safety measure, pending the intervention of a specialized company to move the device. Montpellier airport is closed for an indefinite period to freight flights and commercial flights.”
Hérault prefecture
Feature Image: @BEA_Aero
Maybe they should rename the company “Wet Atlantic”?