Air Serbia’s commercial jet flying from Belgrade to Düsseldorf, Germany , struck runway lights during takeoff on Sunday, forcing an emergency landing an hour later with a gaping hole in its fuselage.
The flight, JU324 operated by Air Serbia , began its takeoff with a significantly shorter runway than usual, raising questions about the decision.
While the Airbus needs around 7,000 feet for takeoff, it started rolling with only 4,260 feet available. Despite concerns, the crew reportedly communicated confidence in their ability to take off safely.
However, upon takeoff, the aircraft’s underside collided with runway lights on the opposite runway, causing damage to the fuselage.
Though the exact cause remains unclear, the jet continued to climb for 20 minutes despite the damage, reaching an altitude of 6,550 feet.
Faced with potential issues due to the damaged flaps, the crew decided to return to Belgrade and made an emergency landing at a speed 40 knots faster than usual.
No serious injuries were reported among the passengers and crew.
Social media footage and photos showcase the severity of the damage, revealing gashes and a large hole in the fuselage near the left wing. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, focusing on the decision to use a shorter runway and the potential factors contributing to the accident.
This event highlights the critical role of safety protocols and pilot judgment in air travel.
While further details are awaited, the successful emergency landing under challenging circumstances underscores the professionalism and skill of the flight crew.
