A FedEx Boeing 757F overran the end of the runway at Chattanooga Airport, probably ending on soft ground.
The Boeing 757-200F with registration N977FD was operating a cargo flight from Chattanooga-Lovell Field to Memphis International Airport. However, shortly after takeoff flight FX1376 reported a gear issue and performed a low-pass before returning to land.
According to reports, the plane skidded off the end of the runway and came to a stop between the runway and Jubilee Drive in the safety area.
A FedEx 757 crash landed late Wednesday night at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport.. skidding off the runway near Jubilee Drive. Chattanooga Police have the scene secured and shutdown Jubilee Drive. CFD says all 3 crew members onboard got out okay. pic.twitter.com/POwAZ7h9fI
— JB Brines (@JonBrines) October 5, 2023
Airport personnel from the fire department, Chattanooga Police Department, and Hamilton County EMS quickly positioned at the airport and waited as the aircraft circled before making its final approach.
None of the three crew members were injured in the incident.
No fire was reported and only smoke from the engines was detected.
UPDATE #1 The crew reported hydraulic issues right after take-off. Both engine nacelles and fuselage sustained substantial damage during the emergency landing.
UPDATE #2 The 757 carried out a gear-up landing and overran the end of the runway leaving the aircraft in a heavily damaged condition.