A Boeing 777-200LR Mammoth Freighter destined for Qatar Airways Cargo came alarmingly close to disaster during a ceremonial low pass over Horseshoe Bay Resort Jet Center (DZB) in Texas on June 24.
The aircraft, registered N705DN, was performing a symbolic flyover of Jetran’s headquarters before its final delivery to Qatar Airways Cargo. However, video captured by aviation enthusiasts shows the massive freighter banking sharply to the right at an extremely low altitude, with its right wing appearing to pass just inches above the ground.
The aircraft had departed Grissom Aeroplex in Indiana on a ferry flight to Fort Worth Alliance Airport but made the planned detour to Horseshoe Bay for the farewell flyby. Flight tracking data indicates the aircraft descended to an exceptionally low altitude during the maneuver before safely climbing away and continuing to Fort Worth, where it landed without incident.
Although low passes are occasionally conducted for ceremonial purposes, aviation experts have questioned the decision to initiate a banking turn at such a low height. Even a minor wind gust or slight miscalculation could have resulted in a catastrophic wing strike, potentially leading to the loss of the aircraft and endangering people on the ground.
The aircraft involved has an interesting history. Built as a Boeing 777-200LR passenger jet, it served Delta Air Lines for more than a decade before being retired during the pandemic. It was later acquired by Texas-based Jetran and became the prototype for Mammoth Freighters’ 777-200LR passenger-to-freighter conversion program. Now wearing Qatar Airways Cargo colors, the aircraft is one of five converted freighters that will join the airline’s growing cargo fleet.
The incident is expected to attract the attention of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which will likely review the circumstances surrounding the unusually low flyover. While no damage or injuries occurred, the maneuver has sparked widespread debate within the aviation community about flight discipline and the risks associated with ceremonial low passes.
Fortunately, this incident ended safely—but it serves as a reminder that even highly experienced crews flying some of the world’s largest aircraft have very little margin for error when operating close to the ground.
The dramatic video has quickly gone viral, with many aviation professionals describing it as one of the closest calls involving a Boeing 777 in recent years.
