On Sunday May 14, a significant mechanical issue forced a Cargolux-operated Boeing 747-400F with registration LX-OCV to abort its mission during flight CV-6857. The aircraft, which was departing from Luxembourg bound to Chicago O’Hare, was unable to retract its landing gear, forcing an immediate halt to its ascent.
Weather Conditions and METAR Reports
The weather conditions were generally favorable at the time of the incident. METAR reports, which provide real-time aviation weather observations, indicated no significant weather phenomena. The METAR report ELLX 141850Z, issued near the time of the incident, showed a light wind from the north, clear visibility, and standard atmospheric pressure with no significant changes forecasted.
Earlier reports also indicated similar conditions with few clouds at 5000 feet and wind direction varying between 320 and 070 degrees, but first impressions indicate that there were no severe weather conditions that could have contributed to the incident.
Emergency Landing and Gear Detachment Incident
Despite the favorable weather conditions, the aircraft made an emergency return to Luxembourg about 50 minutes after departure, landing on runway 06. The right-hand center gear wheel bogey detached from the plane upon touchdown, eventually coming to a stop near the Cargolux hangar. The aircraft, however, managed to roll out without further incidents.
Cargolux 747-400 flight #CV6857 LUX-ORD lost part of landing gear during emergency landing at Luxembourg airport pic.twitter.com/cI7ouy0IbX
— c-wizz (@chrivoge) May 14, 2023
(Photo: Raymond Michaux)
Cargolux’s Official Statement
In an official release, Cargolux confirmed the incident, stating, «The aircraft was unable to retract its landing gear on take-off from Luxembourg. As a result, it was forced to safely dump fuel in order to return to land at the airport. On its landing role its right body landing gear detached from the aircraft. The aircraft however came to a controlled stop and was attended to by the emergency services.»
The airline also reassured that there were no injuries, either on board or on the ground, and that the relevant authorities had been informed of the incident. «The aircraft remains on the runway and recovery efforts are underway.»
(Photo: Raymond Michaux)
