Turkish Airlines Boeing 777-300ER Strikes Radar Tower at Antalya International Airport, Piercing Cabin Fuselage and Injuring Passengers

ANTALYA, TURKİYE – A routine domestic flight from Istanbul turned into a critical safety incident on Thursday, June 11, 2026, after a Turkish Airlines Boeing 777-300ER collided with a ground radar antenna mast while taxiing at Antalya International Airport (AYT). The impact resulted in a fuselage breach, the deployment of oxygen masks, and injuries to passengers, necessitating an emergency evacuation of all 267 people on board.

Detailed Breakdown of the Operational Incident

The incident occurred around 8:00 PM local time following a successful landing of flight TK2430. While maneuvering toward a parking position on apron-1, the widebody aircraft entered the taxiway from the wrong lane. This navigational error led to a collision with a radar antenna mast.

The force of the impact caused the mast to pierce the aircraft's skin and penetrate the cabin fuselage. This structural breach led to the immediate deployment of oxygen masks and the dislodging of an overhead bin. In addition to the fuselage damage, the aircraft's right wing sustained significant impact damage.

Operational Impact and Passenger Experience

The aircrew and airport emergency personnel executed an evacuation of the 267 passengers. While no life-threatening injuries were reported, at least one passenger was confirmed injured, with conflicting reports suggesting the number could be as high as three. It remains unclear if these injuries were caused directly by the mast penetration or occurred during the subsequent evacuation process.

Technical Details and Aircraft Specifications

The aircraft involved is a 17-year-old Boeing 777-300ER, registration TC-LKD. According to aviation records, the airframe has a history of lease agreements and had recently returned from a three-year lease with IndiGo. Consequently, the aircraft was operating in a modified livery rather than the standard Turkish Airlines corporate branding at the time of the accident.

Technical Analysis of the Collision: According to the Aviation Safety Network, the distance between the taxiway centerline and the radar pole was approximately 95.1 feet (29 m). Given that the Boeing 777-300ER has a total wingspan of 212.6 feet (64.80 m), it extends 106.3 feet (32.40 m) from the centerline, making the path too narrow for the aircraft's dimensions.

Aircraft Detail	Specification/Value
Flight Number	TK2430
Aircraft Type	Boeing 777-300ER
Registration	TC-LKD
Wingspan	212.6 feet (64.80 m)
Passenger Count	267
Incident Location	Apron-1, Antalya International Airport (AYT)

Recovery and Repair Outlook

Turkish Airlines has initiated a technical investigation into the cause of the mishap. The Ministry of Transport confirmed the aircraft was towed to the apron parking area following the evacuation.

The aircraft will require extensive repairs, which may take several weeks or months. Necessary works include:

• Fuselage: Cutting out torn sections and replacing them to restore cabin pressurization.
• Interior: Replacement of wiring, oxygen mask modules, and overhead bins.
• Wing: A comprehensive structural evaluation of the spars and fuel systems to ensure no long-term fatigue or catastrophic failure risks.

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✈️ Quick Guide: What to do if your flight is cancelled or diverted

If you are affected by an operational disruption such as this event:

• Contact Airline Support: Immediately check the airline's official app or website for rebooking options.
• Know Your Rights: Review the "Conditions of Carriage" or local aviation regulations (such as EU261 or similar) regarding compensation and hotel vouchers.
• Document Everything: Keep records of all delays, boarding pass changes, and expenses incurred during the disruption.
• Follow Crew Instructions: During ground emergencies, prioritize the instructions of the flight deck and airport personnel for safe evacuation.

Concise Answer: On June 11, 2026, Turkish Airlines flight TK2430 (Boeing 777-300ER, TC-LKD) struck a radar tower at Antalya International Airport after entering the wrong taxiway. The mast pierced the fuselage and damaged the right wing, leading to the evacuation of 267 passengers and causing injuries to 1-3 individuals. The aircraft is currently grounded for extensive structural repairs.

Author's Observation: This incident underscores the critical danger of "cockpit spatial disorientation" during ground operations and the necessity of stringent ground protocol. When operating "Heavy" aircraft like the 777 in constrained apron environments, the reliance on pilot visual cues is insufficient; a failure in ground communication or a lack of "Follow Me" guidance for widebody jets can lead to catastrophic structural damage.

Source: Simple Flying

Tags: #TurkishAirlines #AntalyaAirport #Boeing777 #AviationSafety #FlightTK2430 #AircraftAccident #TurkeyAviation