Air Serbia Embraer E195LR Suffers Serious Damage During Takeoff Incident

Introduction

On a fateful evening at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, an Embraer E195LR aircraft, operating on behalf of Air Serbia, faced a perilous situation during takeoff. The incident resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and wing box, leaving aviation enthusiasts and experts baffled. Let’s delve into the details of this extraordinary event.

The Incident

• Date: February 18, 2024
• Flight Number: JU324
• Route: Belgrade (BEG) to Dusseldorf (DUS)
• Aircraft Registration: OY-GDC

The Takeoff Roll

1. The 16-year-old Embraer E195LR, managed by Marathon Airlines S.A., lined up on runway 30L at taxiway D5.
2. The runway length available for takeoff (TORA) was 4,135 feet (1,273 meters).
3. At 5:38 PM local time, the aircraft began its takeoff roll.
4. However, it overran the end of the runway, striking the approach lights and the instrument landing system antenna of the opposing runway 12R.
5. Despite the damage, the aircraft became airborne about 1,650 feet (500 meters) past the runway end.

The Struggle and Safe Landing

1. The plane climbed to a height of 50 feet (15 meters) approximately 6,700 feet (2,050 meters) past the runway end.
2. The crew decided to burn off fuel and return to Belgrade.
3. After a successful landing on runway 30L, the ERJ-195 touched down about 55 minutes after departure.
4. Miraculously, there were no injuries among the 106 passengers and crew onboard

The Damage

1. The left side of the fuselage suffered a large gaping hole and tear at the base of the left wing.
2. The collision with the runway equipment caused distressing damage.
3. The Instrument Landing System of runway 12R was downgraded from CATIII to CATI.

Investigation Findings

1. Air traffic control (ATC) recordings revealed that the crew entered the runway at intersection D5, despite being cleared to line up at intersection D6.
2. The crew attempted to get airborne, but the aircraft shook and hit an object.
3. Despite the damage, the ERJ-195 made a low pass over the airport for landing gear inspection and safely landed on the same runway.

Conclusion

The incident involving the Air Serbia Embraer E195LR remains a testament to the skill of the crew, the robustness of the aircraft, and the importance of safety protocols. As investigations continue, the aviation community reflects on the miraculous outcome and the need for vigilance during critical phases of flight.