Lufthansa Boeing 787 Nose Gear Collapse at Frankfurt Airport Injures Workers, Flight to Los Angeles Cancelled
June 5, 2026 Team Contributor
A parked Lufthansa Jet parked at the gates of Frankfurt airport shot into the news when it suffered a nose landing gear collapse, apparently from a panel coming off. The incident occurred on Thursday and has left many staff members injured, prompting a quick investigation. The incident occurred at 12:45 PM local time (10:45 AM UTC).
A video circulating online shows a crew member standing close as the front portion suddenly dips and settles onto the ground, shaking the body. The crew member can be seen moving away just in time and hurrying to the other side.
The aircraft, registered D-ABPQ, is a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a variant of 787 that debuted in January this year. The aircraft was being prepared for flight LH450 to Los Angeles. As a consequence, the flight from Frankfurt to Los Angeles has been cancelled due to substantial damage.
The nose gear helps distribute the aircraft’s weight while on the ground and during routine ground operations. It also absorbs the landing shock, preserving the aircraft’s structure.
Luckily, no passengers were on board when the incident happened. Those injured are receiving medical treatment. Lufthansa recently set out to overhaul its older fleet as part of its expansion plan and streamline operations with newer fuel-efficient aircraft in the wake of the jet fuel crisis.
Lufthansa said it is looking into the exact cause of the incident. Early indications point to an issue with the landing gear safety pin or an accidental retraction, but authorities and Lufthansa are still assessing the exact circumstances.
The Boeing 787-9 is a staple of Lufthansa’s long-haul fleet, frequently deployed on major transatlantic routes, including Frankfurt-Toronto. As one of the primary aircraft used to showcase the airline’s new ‘Allegris‘ premium travel experience, the model holds a high profile among Canadian travellers who regularly utilize this connection.
Yesterday’s incident brings into focus a similar incident that occurred in June 2021, when a British Airways Boeing 787-8 suffered a sudden nose gear collapse while parked at a gate at London Heathrow Airport.
CTN will bring more information as the investigation proceeds.
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