Air Transport

Italian investigators are starting inquiries into a landing accident at Rome Ciampino Airport today involving a Ryanair Boeing 737-800 which was apparently struck by birds during approach.

The aircraft, operating as flight FR4102, was transporting 166 passengers and six crew members on a service to Ciampino from Frankfurt Hahn.

Italy's Agenzia Nazionale per la Sicurezza del Volo (ANSV) says the aircraft "exited beyond the threshold" of the runway during the landing.

Irish budget carrier Ryanair says the twin-jet suffered "multiple bird strikes to both engines" during its approach to the airport.

"It appears that the left-hand main landing-gear suffered substantial damage on landing, which will delay the aircraft being removed from the runway for some hours," says the airline.

© Ryanair

Ryanair says all passengers exited safely but five occupants, including two cabin crew, have been taken to hospital with minor injuries.

"The aircraft and its engines are currently being inspected by Ryanair engineers to assess any damage as a result of this incident," says the carrier.

Italian civil aviation administration ENAC says the incident occurred at 07:56. It adds that it has sent its own team of inspectors to the airport to assist with the investigation.

Ciampino Airport, it adds, will remain closed until the aircraft is removed from the runway. The airport has a single runway, 15/33, which is about 2,200m (7,220ft) long.

• Read David Learmount's blog posting on the accident

• See more images of the incident in a gallery on AirSpace

• See more images of the incident as part of a discussion thread on AirSpace