Aircraft Nosegear Collapses
Lufthansa Boeing 787 nose gear collapses at Frankfurt gate, injuring multiple staff.
A Lufthansa Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner experienced an unexpected nose-gear collapse while parked at a gate at Frankfurt Airport on Thursday, causing the aircraft to partially settle on its belly. Lufthansa said passengers had not yet embarked, but crew and ground staff were on board when the incident occurred, and several employees were injured and are receiving medical treatment. Emergency vehicles responded to the scene, where footage and images showed the nose dropping and visible damage around the forward landing-gear area. The airline is investigating the exact circumstances with relevant authorities and has implemented crisis management procedures. Lufthansa’s flight LH450 to Los Angeles was disrupted, with the departure canceled as the aircraft was secured by technical teams. The incident adds to scrutiny of operations as Lufthansa’s 787 fleet supports its broader plan to modernize and simplify its long-haul aircraft lineup.
Key Points
Reuters reported the incident occurred at 12:45 p.m. local time (1045 GMT) and said it was first reported by Bloomberg News.
A report citing footage described collateral ground impact: a baggage-conveyor vehicle was positioned next to the aircraft, and as the nose dropped the open aircraft door appeared to press down on the vehicle and trap it underneath.
The aircraft was identified as Lufthansa tail number D-ABPQ, named “Herne,” and the report said Lufthansa received the 787-9 in January 2026.
Fraport (Frankfurt Airport operator) said the aircraft was parked at the gate when the incident occurred, and the report placed it at Terminal 1.
dpa-AFX reported Lufthansa’s spokesperson description of the sequence as: “While at a parking position, the aircraft's nose gear unexpectedly collapsed.”
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