One of Azerbaijan Airlines’ Airbus A320s experienced a runway excursion while returning to St Petersburg’s Pulkovo airport after departing for Baku.
The aircraft, operating flight J2020, landed at 03:40 on 20 October after some 3h airborne.
According to the airport’s operator, the crew requested the return after detecting a “landing-gear malfunction”.
It adds that, during the landing, the aircraft “skidded off the runway” – although none of the passengers or crew members was injured.
Azerbaijan Airlines says the aircraft underwent an A-check in September. “All technical procedures were carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements and the airline’s internal procedures,” it states.
It adds that the A320 had been in “full technical working order” at the time of its departure, having undergone “regular comprehensive maintenance”.
The aircraft was transporting 155 passengers, it says.
Azerbaijan Airlines confirms that a landing-gear issue was behind the crew’s decision to return.
“In full compliance with safety procedures, the crew diligently carried out all necessary actions, including fuel burn-off prior to landing,” it says.
But during the landing, it adds, the jet “slightly veered beyond the runway limits”.
Azerbaijan Airlines sent a replacement aircraft to carry the affected passengers from St Petersburg to Baku.
