One of the modified Boeing 747-400s used by the airframer for 787 aerostructure transport has apparently suffered a landing-gear malfunction during take-off from Taranto.
Video footage circulating on social media purportedly shows one of the aircraft’s main landing-gear wheels detaching and falling, trailing smoke, to the ground as the jet lifts off from runway 35.
Un Boeing 747 Dreamlifter operat de Atlas Air (N718BA) care a decolat marți dimineață (11OCT22) din Taranto (IT) spre Charleston (SUA) a pierdut o roată a trenului principal de aterizare în timpul decolării.
— BoardingPass (@BoardingPassRO) October 11, 2022
Avionul operează zborul #5Y4231 și transportă componente de Dreamliner. pic.twitter.com/R95UHkLD7V
Italian aerospace firm Leonardo manufactures 787 fuselage sections at its Grottaglie facility. Boeing resumed deliveries of 787s in August following a prolonged suspension.
The 747-400LCF transport (N718BA) had been en route to Charleston where Boeing has a 787 assembly facility, and proceeded to its destination despite the event.
US carrier Atlas Air operates the fleet of 747-400LCFs – also known as Dreamlifters – on behalf of the airframer.
Italian accident investigation authority ANSV has yet to clarify whether it will open an inquiry into the wheel loss.
