Helpless airport staff were captured on film chasing after a runaway plane at Malta International Airport (MLA).
The unmanned De Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 turboprop, operated by Universal Air, was seen rolling onto the airport’s main runway from the taxiway on September 27, 2023.
Although travelling relatively slow the incident could have had dire consequences if another aircraft had come into land on the active runway.
According to the Times Malta, the aircraft was set to be towed but ground staff removed its chocks – which secure the plane in a stationary position – before a tow bar was attached.
Malta International Airport confirmed an incident occurred at the airport around 8 am local time.
The aircraft, registered 9H-CTG, was expected travel to Benghazi Benina International Airport (BEN) in Libya at 9 am but the flight was cancelled, and the Dash-8 has not been flown since.
It is understood that the Bureau of Air Accident Investigation and Transport Malta, has been notified and will investigate the incident to understand what happened.
Universal Air’s headquarters are located at Malta International Airport and the charter airline currently operates a fleet of three Dash 8 aircraft.
9H-CTG is a 33-year-old plane and was previously owned by Schreiner Airways and Mel Air.
Dash 8 DHC-8-100 rolls across the runway at Malta Airport, before coming to a stop in the grass. pic.twitter.com/PtcDFshG5E
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) September 27, 2023