Lufthansa MD11 cargo fire and brake up on landing
A Lufthansa Cargo MD-11 freighter, registration D-ALCQ performing flight GEC-8460 from Frankfurt/Main (Germany) to Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) with 2 crew and 80 tons of goods, veered left off the runway and broke into two parts and burst into flames while landing at Riyadh's runway 33L at 11:38L (08:38Z).
The airplane came to a stand still on soft ground just off the left hand runway edge. Captain and first officer received injuries and were taken to local hospitals. Fire fighters were able to extinguish the fire, that broke out in the center area of the aircraft, front and rear portion were visibly not consumed by the fire.
The airport reported, that fire fighters were able to contain the fire.
Lufthansa Cargo said, that the airplane broke in two parts and caught fire. The two crew received injuries, the extent of which is not yet known. In the afternoon several hours after the accident, phone contact has been established with both crew members.
Aviation sources in Riyadh reported, that the crew declared emergency reporting a cargo fire indication while on approach to Riyadh.
Observers on the ground said, that the airplane was already trailing smoke while on final approach.
Saudi Arabia's Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the crew arriving from Frankfurt (Germany) declared emergency reporting a cargo fire inside the aircraft while on approach and landed at 11:38L (08:38Z). An investigation is under way.
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