Landing Gear Collapse Triggers Dramatic Evacuation at Bishkek Airport, Kyrgyzstan

Terrifying moments unfolded at Kyrgyzstan’s Manas International Airport on July 7 when a Tez Jet McDonnell Douglas MD-83 suffered a major landing gear failure during its takeoff roll, forcing an emergency evacuation of everyone on board.

According to initial reports, the aircraft’s left main landing gear collapsed while accelerating for takeoff. The pilots were able to bring the aircraft to a stop before it became airborne, but the jet then tilted sharply onto its left side. The left wing struck the runway, causing a significant fuel leak and leaving the aircraft badly damaged.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene as firefighters responded to the fuel spill. Thankfully, all 181 passengers and crew were evacuated safely using emergency slides. While there were no fatalities or serious injuries, several passengers sustained minor cuts and bruises during the evacuation.

Videos from the scene show frightened passengers, including families with young children, sliding down emergency chutes before gathering on the runway at a safe distance. The aircraft’s left wing rested on the tarmac amid scattered debris and leaking fuel, while the lower tail section (empennage) was torn away during the collapse.

The aircraft involved was McDonnell Douglas MD-83, registration EX-80017, reportedly built in December 1999. It was operating a domestic flight from Bishkek to Osh when the incident occurred.

Airport authorities temporarily suspended operations at Manas International Airport, one of Central Asia’s busiest aviation hubs, while emergency teams secured the area and investigators began examining the cause of the landing gear failure.