Emirates under investigation after aircraft nearly impacted the ground

The Emirates flight EK231 was only 175 feet away from the ground, the aircraft has been reportedly grounded for four days to undergo further investigation.

Consequently, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is investigating a close call “technical incident” after an Emirates Airline’s Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, registered A6-EQI, nearly impacted the ground on 20 December.

Emirates aircraft in flight

A close call

The EK231 flight, bound for Washington Dulles International Airport was only 175 feet away from impacting the ground, according to Bloomberg.

“We can confirm that a technical incident occurred on the departure of EK231 on 20 December 2021,” Emirates Airline stated, confirming that “the flight continued safely to its destination, and after technical clearances, the aircraft operated the return flight to Dubai.”

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Further investigation

The aircraft has been reportedly grounded for four days following the incident for further investigation.

The GCAA is a federal, autonomous body established in 1996 by a Federal Cabinet Decree to regulate and oversee aviation safety, security, and environment; deliver air navigation services, and facilitate air connectivity across the UAE.

Wole Shadare