The Pegasus 737 That Ran off a Cliff Might Fly Again
After a Pegasus Airlines 737 nearly fell into the sea in Turkey last Saturday, engineers have started the process of recovering the damaged aircraft.
Pegasus flight 8622 was traveling from Ankara (ESB) to Trabzon (TZX) when upon landing, the plane skidded off the runway and found itself hanging off the side of cliff — just feet away from the Black Sea. Fortunately no passengers or crew were seriously injured.
After a few days precariously situated on the side of the hill, workers have started the complicated removal process of the 737-800. Using two cranes, the plane was hauled up and out of the mud.
Turkish authorities closed the Trabzon airport so the recovery could take place safely; flights were diverted to Ordu-Giresun Airport (OGU).
Reports indicate that the major damage occurred to the wing, left maingear and underbelly — although the most prominent is the engine that's detached from the wing.
According to France 24, once the aircraft is back on solid ground it will be emptied of its remaining fuel and taken to a hanger where passengers' personal belongings and baggage will be removed.
The aircraft is reportedly being treated as a "keeper" according to Robert Mann, an industry expert and airline consultant. Mann said the 737 was in "surprisingly good shape" after the crane pulled it from near death.
Mann also said that the 737-800 tends to break just forward and behind the center wing box carry-through section, and there's no evidence of that in the lifting photo.
"That said, the aircraft will have to undergo a complete hull and systems inspection, both engines will have to be overhauled and the landing gear refitted, altogether an expensive proposition," added Mann.
The Pegasus pilots told authorities that the botched landing was caused by the aircraft's right engine accelerating, leading the plane left and over the cliff.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app