A DHL UK Air Boeing 757-200 returned to Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) after its main cargo door opened mid-air during a flight to Frankfurt Airport (FRA).
On February 13, 2021, the Boeing 757-200 freighter, registered as G-DHKZ, was scheduled on a flight QY126 from Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA). The freighter took off from runway 26L, but the pilots had to stop the climb after noticing that freighter doors had flung open.
DHL 757 safely returns to Leipzig Airport in Germany after cargo door completely opens after departure. https://t.co/IT6w5dKFX6 pic.twitter.com/o3e2xw88uQ
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@breakingavnews) February 13, 2021
The freighter returned to Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) and made an emergency landing on runway 08R approximately 15 minutes after it took off. The Boeing 757-200 stayed on the runway for about 40 minutes after it was shifted to the airport apron.
There were no injuries or substantial aircraft damage reported. Lightweight parts of an aircraft door were ripped off and found on the ground around the coal power plant located near LEJ airport.
“We can confirm that an aircraft belonging to DHL UK Air experienced technical issues after departing Leipzig/Halle airport for Frankfurt/Main. During the flight, lightweight parts of an aircraft cargo door frame were torn off. No civilians were injured. The aircraft immediately returned to the airport and was able to land safely. The incident has been reported and is now being investigated by the aviation authorities,” a DHL spokesperson told AeroTime News on February 15, 2021.