On Feb 4th, 2026, a Martinair Holland Boeing 747-400 freighter, registration PH-MPS, operating flight MP-8931 from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Cairo (Egypt), was forced to abandon its long-haul journey after a developing hydraulic problem became apparent during cruise.
The aircraft was flying at FL350, almost overhead Frankfurt/Main (Germany), when the crew decided to return to Amsterdam after indications pointed to a hydraulic system issue. As the jumbo jet approached its departure airport, the crew advised air traffic control that they would require additional time to configure flaps and landing gear, requesting free speed on approach due to a suspected hydraulic leak and falling system pressure.
The freighter landed safely on Amsterdam’s runway 18C and vacated the runway without immediate difficulty. However, once clear of the runway, the crew reported that they had lost all remaining pressure in the affected hydraulic system, which had become completely empty during taxi. Air traffic control instructed the aircraft to hold position and informed the crew that a hydraulic fluid leak was visible beneath the right main landing gear.
The aircraft was subsequently secured for inspection and repairs. After maintenance work was completed, the Boeing 747 returned to service approximately 28.5 hours after landing back in Amsterdam.
The incident highlights how hydraulic system degradation can evolve rapidly, and how early detection and conservative decision-making by the crew ensured a routine and controlled outcome despite the complete loss of pressure after landing.
