Fire Onboard a Plane in Antalya
An Azimuth Airlines plane, arriving from Sochi, experienced a serious incident upon landing at Antalya Airport, a popular Turkish resort. The aircraft made a hard landing amid strong winds, which led to a fire onboard. Preliminary reports indicate that the fire was caused by a kerosene leak resulting from the wing clipping the runway during landing.
Passengers described the landing as a catastrophe, with the cabin quickly filling with black smoke, causing panic and chaos. People scrambled to exit through emergency doors while the crew worked to organize the evacuation. A heroic passenger managed to open an emergency exit door when a crew member struggled to do so due to panic. All 95 people onboard, including the crew, safely evacuated using inflatable slides.
Eyewitnesses reported a stampede at the emergency exits as passengers rushed to escape the burning plane, many attempting to grab their belongings. One passenger described the scene as chaotic, with people blocking evacuation routes. Despite the dangerous situation, there were no serious injuries, thanks to the swift response of rescuers and the crew's efforts.It was reported that the plane's autopilot malfunctioned during the approach, forcing the pilot to land manually. Errors in speed and strong gusts of wind were likely contributing factors to the incident. Experts emphasize the importance of strict adherence to safety standards and regular technical maintenance to prevent such events.
The incident in Antalya serves as a reminder of the importance of following safety procedures during flights and adhering to crew instructions in emergencies. Passengers should avoid taking carry-on luggage during evacuation to prevent delays in rescue efforts. Additionally, travelers should be aware of their rights to compensation in case of delays, cancellations, or emergencies.