A FedEx 757 experienced landing gear failure and skidded off the end of the runway at the Chattanooga Airport late Wednesday night.
There was no fire and no injuries to the three pilots on board. The landing happened at 11:57 p.m. after the plane had circled several times. Emergency personnel had been summoned to the airport around 11 p.m. and were awaiting the plane's landing.
The plane had left the Chattanooga Airport at 10:23 p.m. headed for Memphis, but the problems were discovered soon after it was in the air, reports said.
The primary runway at the Chattanooga Airport was initially closed, but a secondary runway open.
Officials said shortly before 11 a.m., "The primary runway has reopened, and the Chattanooga Airport advises travelers to continue to check their flight status online at www.chattairport.com."
Fire officials said:
Public safety agencies rushed to the Chattanooga Regional Airport late Wednesday night after receiving reports that a Fedex 757 was on its final approach with a landing gear failure. The call came in at 11:57 p.m.
CFD, CPD and HCEMS quickly staged in position and waited as the aircraft circled before making its final descent with three people on board. The plane crash landed, skidding off the end of the runway. It came to a rest between the runway and Jubilee Drive in the safety area. All three people on the aircraft are accounted for. There was no fire, only smoke from the engines.
Great work by the pilot and airport personnel, as well as all responding agencies for their coordinated efforts.
Chattanooga Fire had Special Ops on the scene, along with Hazmat 1, Ladder 1, Squad 1, Quint 6, Tanker 3, Squad 7, Ladder 7, Tanker 8, Quint 21, Squad 13, Tanker 22, Quint 10, Tanker 21, Tanker 17, Engine 15, Ladder 13, Ladder 19, Quint 8, Battalion 1, Battalion 2, and Battalion 3 Red Shift.