Turkish Plane Balances On Cliff Edge After Skidding Off Runway

A passenger plane carrying 168 people almost plunged into the sea after it skidded on an icy runway at an airport in Turkey.

Credit: Ruptly

The Boeing 737-800 stopped just metres away from the edge of the Black Sea, with photos showing the nose of the plane dangling off the cliff edge.

Pegasus Airlines has confirmed there were no injuries to any of the 162 passengers, or six members of staff aboard.

In a statement, the airline said: "We're sorry to report that the Boeing 737-800 type TC-CPF registered aircraft of Pegasus Airlines Flight Number PC 8622 Ankara-Trabzon flight scheduled at 18:25 UTC tonight had a Runway Excursion Incident during landing at Trabzon Airport (January 13 2018).

"All 162 passengers, two pilots and four cabin crew have been disembarked safely from the aircraft. There has been no loss of life or injury to anyone on-board.

"We will continue to provide information with regards to any further updates."

The plane's wheels had become stuck in icy mud on the runway of Trabzon Airport, which may have helped it from falling into the sea.

Footage filmed inside the plane moments after the incident shows passengers reacting in panic as they attempt to evacuate the plane.

The plane's left engine was ripped out during the incident and in the clip smoke can be seen billowing from the cabin.

A video taken outside the plane shows it being hosed down with jets of water by firefighters, although the plane doesn't appear to have been on fire.

Fatma Gordu, who was on the plane at the time, told Anadolu: "We tilted to the side, the front was down while the plane's rear was up. There was panic. People shouting, screaming."

Trabzon Airport was briefly shut down, and flights delayed or cancelled. Yucel Yavuz, governor of Trabzon confirmed there were no injuries, saying: "We've taken all necessary measures. We will reopen the airport to air traffic as soon as possible."

The airport has since reopened.

It is not yet known what caused the plane to skid off the runway and officials have opened an investigation, it's been reported.

Source: Pegasus Airline

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Plane, World News, Turkey

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19