A frightening incident unfolded at Frankfurt Airport on Thursday when the nose landing gear of a Lufthansa Boeing 787 suddenly collapsed while the aircraft was parked at its gate. The front of the plane dropped more than two meters onto the tarmac, shocking airport staff and witnesses.
Fortunately, no passengers had boarded the aircraft yet. However, several crew members and ground staff suffered minor injuries. Two Lufthansa employees were taken to hospital for treatment, although none of the injuries were considered serious.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows the nose gear giving way without warning before the aircraft slammed onto the ground. One airport worker standing near the cockpit narrowly avoided being struck.
Further inspections underway
The flight to Los Angeles was immediately canceled, and Lufthansa has launched an investigation alongside aviation authorities. The aircraft, built only last year and in service with Lufthansa since February, has been moved to a hangar for further inspections.
While the outcome could have been far worse, the incident has raised serious questions about what caused the unexpected collapse.
Following a gear collapse at the gate in Frankfurt, Lufthansa 787-9 D-ABPQ has been significantly damaged. Today’s LH450 has been canceled. We are awaiting more information on any potential injuries. pic.twitter.com/FTBK4m2WyS
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) June 4, 2026
🔴 L’avion accidenté est âgé de seulement 4 mois.
Boeing dépêche une équipe d’enquêteur en Allemagne. https://t.co/KvPVvwqQBC pic.twitter.com/hC6w5dSdNl
— air plus news (@airplusnews) June 4, 2026