Passenger plane makes spectacular crash-landing in Warsaw

2011-11-02 11:52:35 GMT+7 (ICT)

WARSAW, POLAND (BNO NEWS) -- An LOT Polish Airlines passenger plane carrying more than 200 people made an emergency landing in Warsaw on early Tuesday afternoon, officials said. There were no injuries.

The pilot of LOT flight 016, a Boeing 767 flying from Newark in the United States to Warsaw, reported an emergency at around 1.40 p.m. local time when it was discovered the plane's landing gear was malfunctioning.

The pilot and co-pilot circled Warsaw Chopin Airport as they attempted to lower the landing gear. An hour later, after their efforts proved unsuccessful, the pilots carried out an emergency landing after a special fire-proof foam was placed on the runway.

With no wheels, the pilots were able to land the aircraft, sliding on the runway on the plane's 'belly'. Thick smoke and sparks could be seen flying from the aircraft, but no fire broke out.

None of the 220 passengers and 11 crew members were reported injured, although they were taken to medical facilities at the airport where a support team and psychologists took care of them.

"Passengers of flight LO 016 are currently being released after medical examination and a brief police interview," the airline said in a brief statement. "If required, they will be offered meals and accommodation. LOT's dedicated Support Team is on site and available to offer psychological help and any other support."

Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski expressed gratitude toward the pilots and crew members of the flight after the emergency landing. He said he had personally spoken with the pilot, thanking him and the crew, while describing the passengers as 'very brave.'

Officials said Warsaw Chopin Airport will remain closed until at least 8 a.m. local time on Wednesday as the incident is being investigated.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-11-02

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_r_NEZhxCU

The video.

Edited November 2, 201114 yr by mpoppel

I saw a video of the landing on television. Amazing. Great job by the pilot and crew.

I hope all the passengers were given a clean pair of underwear after that landing!

A text book wheels up landing. It could not have been better. Way to go guys.

Wow ! amazing skill of the pilot.. this video shows the 'crash landing' from below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ-6nqdMSvQ&feature=channel_video_title

That's impressive!

Heading should read emergency landing - to call such a beautiful example of skilled flying a crash landing is slander!