Runway scares in Antalya Turkish Airlines Boeing 777 evacuated after smoke spotted from landing gear.
There was a serious scare at Antalya Airport today when a Turkish Airlines Boeing 777 was evacuated at the same time smoke was sighted coming from its landing gear on landing, while the aircraft was still taxiing. The plane, which had just arrived from Istanbul, landed smoothly, but what came next was a harrowing few moments that triggered a speedy response involving an emergency medical team.
The plane was evacuated using emergency slides after rescue teams at the airport saw smoke and quickly recommended the evacuation as a precaution so passengers would not have to use emergency slides in case of a fire. There was quick coordination between the control tower and ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting) units. “Our crews turned out on time, " Ustun said, and followed up with images via X (the company formerly known as Twitter) of emergency responders hosing down landing gear with water.
Thank goodness and it's great that all passengers and crew got off the plane safely and no one was injured.
The preliminary report indicates the smoke may have come from a defective hydraulic pipe, the airline said, however the aircraft is currently undergoing a comprehensive technical examination to verify the cause of the smoke.
Smoke appeared on the touchdown gear during the taxiing that was reported by the air traffic controller to the pilot', says Enes Cakmak, General Director of Turkey's State Airport Authority in a post on social media. Immediate response measures were executed.
While the incident resulted in a few short-lived disturbances, it is a clear demonstration of how effective emergency protocols and real-time ground-air communication can prevent a potentially serious situation. Passengers were later supported with alternative travel arrangements and accommodation where necessary.
