A technical malfunction before take-off at Antalya Airport prevented a potential safety event on Friday, 14 February 2026. The incident, in which the aircraft's landing gear broke, occurred on a passenger plane preparing for a flight from Antalya to Gaziantep.
A Sun Express Boeing 737-800, registration TC-SOB performing SunExpress flight XQ-7646 from Antalya to Gaziantep (Turkey), was taxiing for departure on taxiway J towards runway 18L. While taxiing, the left main gear (MLG) collapsed disabling the aircraft on the taxiway, rendering the left engine coming in contact with the ground.
The aircraft, which sustained damage to its wing, came to a stop when its jet engine scraped the runway. Following the incident, the cabin crew and ground services teams sprang into action. All passengers on board were safely evacuated without any injuries.
Following the malfunction, the aircraft was taken for technical inspection. It was reported that a detailed technical study has been initiated to determine the extent of the damage and the cause of the malfunction.
SunExpress released an official statement saying,
“A technical malfunction occurred in the landing gear strut of our aircraft, flight number XQ7646, which was preparing to depart for Antalya–Gaziantep."
"Our passengers were safely disembarked from the aircraft, and the aircraft has been taken for technical inspection. The flight will be operated with a different aircraft.”
After the occupants disembarked, the aircraft is being recovered by Aircraft Recovery Lift Bags (specialized inflatable devices) at Antalya Airport while Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin conducted inspections at the airport.
The SunExpress flight, carrying 175 passengers and 6 crew members, was canceled. Alternate arrangements being done.
Operations at Antalya Airport was also disrupted following the incident involving the left landing gear, but authorities emphasized that passenger safety was a priority. The exact cause of the malfunction will be determined after a technical report is prepared.
