Photo: Kaz Chiba (Getty)
Crazy news out of Turkey — a commercial jet carrying 168 people skid off a runway this past weekend. The scariest part is that the airstrip doesn’t have much of a shoulder. It has a cliff bordering the Black Sea. And said plane almost careened right into it.
The plane was a Pegasus Airlines Boeing 737-800. By the time it stopped moving upon its landing attempt the plane was at an insane angle on the side of the cliff adjacent to Ankara-Tabzon Airport.
BREAKING New daylight photos released of Pegasus flight #PC8622 accident at Trabzon Airport, Turkey https://t.co/68Ieyg5Bj3 pic.twitter.com/jcTE8FGstj
— AIRLIVE (@airlivenet) January 14, 2018
There were also plumes of smoke that developed and had to be extinguished as well.
Pegasus Airlines #PC8622 Boeing 737-800 (TC-CPF) ran down a steep embankment on landing Trabzon, Turkey w 166 on board. Only minor injuries reported. JACDEC Report: https://t.co/vZix71c1IS pic.twitter.com/rShDCAmfla
— JACDEC (@JacdecNew) January 14, 2018
Somehow, thank God, all 162 passengers, two pilots and four cabin crew made it out of the plane without a scratch. The accident shut down the airport until the following morning while a “probe” was launched to figure out why the plane skidded off the runway.
Reports say there was no alcohol in the pilots’ systems. And odd statement considering reports first said ice was to blame.
One pilot told prosecutors the plane’s right engine malfunctioned during the landing, which he said pulled the plane towards the Black Sea.
Pegasus has yet to provide more information.
I think I’ll avoid flying the mythical winged stallion of the skies for awhile, er, ever.
Not something you want to happen while flying: United Airlines Flight Almost Takes Off With Fuel Gushing Out Of The Wing
Josh Helmuth is a sports guy and contributor to Mandatory.
