A cargo door on a DHL Boeing 757 opened while in the middle of the air yesterday. The aircraft was performing a German route between Leipzig/Halle Airport and Frankfurt am Main Airport when the unexpected issue occurred.
A quick return
According to The Aviation Herald, the Boeing 757-200 freighter involved in the matter holds registration number G-DHKZ. It was conducting flight QY-126, climbing out of Leipzig’s runway 26L when the crew on board stopped the climb at about approximately 5,300 feet mean sea level (MSL). The reason for this stop was due to the plane’s cargo door fully opening.
As a result, several parts separated from the airframe and fell over around the Schkopau coal power plant below. This site can be found approximately 10 NM east from the departing airport.
The plane returned to Leipzig, landing in the opposite direction to its takeoff. It touched down at the airport on the runway at 05:47 local time. This time was just 15 minutes after it initially departed. The aircraft stayed on the runway for approximately 40 minutes before being shifted to the apron.
More on the aircraft
The plane was still on the ground at last 12 hours after touching down. Its last known location is also reported to be at Leipzig. It was concluded that there was significant damage to the 757. However, the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) shares that nobody was injured and no freight was lost. According to Planespotters.net, G-DHKZ joined DHL in May 2016. The unit was previously with fellow German outfit, EAT Leipzig from 2010 before performing with the United States’ Challenge Air Cargo for nearly two decades. Its first operator was the United Kingdom’s Anglo Cargo back in 1991.
The inquiry continues
An investigation has been launched to find out more about what occurred during this cargo operation.. Altogether, thankfully nobody was hurt and no important goods were lost following the opening of this door. However, DHL will undoubtedly be looking to take action so something like this doesn’t repeat.
Simple Flying reached out to DHL for comment on this incident near Leipzig/Halle Airport. We will update the article with any further announcements from the company.
What are your thoughts about this DHL Boeing 757’s cargo door opening while in the middle of the air? Are you surprised to hear of such an event happening? Let us know what you think of the situation in the comment section.
