Freighter operator Cargolux has confirmed that one of its Boeing 747-8F freighters, registration LX-VCF, suffered a collapse of the left-hand wing landing gear while positioned on its parking stand at Luxembourg Airport (LUX) on 23 October.
Immediate response and safety measures
The airline said there were no injuries to crew members, employees or other individuals. Recovery operations were put in hand and are being carried out in coordination with the relevant authorities, the carrier added. An investigation into the circumstances of the incident is under way.
“There were no injuries to any crew members, employees, or other individuals as a result of the incident,” the airline said.
As a precaution, Cargolux has introduced additional inspections across its 747-8F fleet worldwide before aircraft are next released to service. The operator said safety remains its highest priority and that it is working closely with all relevant stakeholders while further assessments are carried out.
Aircraft details and context
The affected aeroplane, LX-VCF, was delivered to Cargolux in 2012, making it more than 14 years old at the time of the incident. Cargolux operates a fleet that includes multiple 747-8Fs; the carrier did not disclose how many aircraft will undergo the additional inspections or the precise inspection items being added.
- Incident: left-hand wing landing gear collapse while parked at Luxembourg Airport
- Aircraft: Boeing 747-8F, registration LX-VCF, delivered 2012
- Immediate measures: recovery operations and fleet-wide precautionary inspections on 747-8Fs
Operational and industry implications
The operator’s decision to impose additional inspections on its 747-8Fs reflects standard industry practice following a ground-structural or undercarriage event. While Cargolux did not quantify any network disruption or grounding period, such inspections can lead to temporary withdrawal of aircraft from service depending on findings and may require coordination with lessors, insurers and maintenance organisations.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Cargolux has not published further technical details or a probable cause; the airline and the relevant authorities will need to complete their inquiries to establish the factors that led to the collapse.
| operator | aircraft | registration | location | date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cargolux | Boeing 747-8F | LX-VCF | Luxembourg Airport (LUX) | 23 October |
Further technical updates, inspection findings and any operational impacts will be announced by Cargolux or the investigating authority when available.
