Sat Jun 14 00:34:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
In March 1999, an Air France Boeing 747 freighter crash-landed at Chennai Airport after a failed first landing attempt due to a “technical snag.” The nose-wheel landing gear failed to deploy on the second attempt, causing the aircraft to skid to a halt. A fire erupted, engulfing the plane and causing significant damage. All five crew members were rescued, but one sustained a leg injury. Firefighters battled the blaze for over three hours. The airport was temporarily closed, diverting flights and stranding passengers. Investigation revealed a misjudgment by the flight engineer regarding the nose-wheel’s condition. Flight operations resumed on a shortened runway the next day. The cargo included clothes, flowers, and according to some sources, also cigarettes, chemicals, and cars.
**News Article:**
**Air France Cargo Plane Destroyed in Chennai Crash-Landing**
**Chennai, June 14, 2025** – A harrowing incident from March 5, 1999, has resurfaced as a stark reminder of air travel risks. An Air France Boeing 747 freighter (AF-6745) crash-landed at Chennai Airport after a failed landing attempt.
The aircraft, carrying five crew members and 66 tons of cargo, was en route from Paris with stopovers in Karachi and Bangalore. Following a missed first attempt, Captain Jean reported a “technical snag” to Chennai Air Traffic Control (ATC).
On the second landing attempt, the nose-wheel landing gear failed to deploy. The aircraft impacted the runway on its belly, skidding to a halt amidst billowing smoke. Emergency services responded swiftly, rescuing all five crew members. One crew member, Mr. Nandhya Hillol, an Indian national, sustained a leg injury during the evacuation.
A massive fire erupted shortly after, consuming the aircraft and leading to a series of explosions as fuel ignited. Over 50 firefighters battled the blaze for more than three hours, finally extinguishing it by 2:30 a.m. on March 6. Only the charred remains of the tail and nose sections remained.
Chennai Airport was temporarily closed, leading to flight diversions and stranded passengers. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched an investigation. Preliminary findings pointed to a “wrong assessment” of the nose-wheel’s condition by the onboard flight engineer.
“Only after touchdown did the pilot realize the engineer’s assessment was incorrect,” stated DGCA Director General H.S. Khola at the time.
Flight operations resumed on a shortened runway later the next day. The cargo included clothes and cut flowers. However, differing reports indicate that the cargo may have also included cigarettes, chemicals, and three cars. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of accurate assessment and timely action in aviation safety.
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