Three Injured After Red Air Plane Collapses Landing Gear at Miami International
Three people were injured when a Red Air aircraft traveling from the Dominican Republic experienced a landing gear collapse during its approach to Miami International Airport, sparking a fire on the runway area. The incident occurred as the plane neared touchdown, prompting an immediate response from emergency services and federal aviation authorities. According to the Miami office of the Federal Aviation Administration and reports cited by CBS News, the malfunction prevented a normal and safe landing, leading to the vehicle sliding off the runway and breaking apart in the vicinity of the runway and taxiway boundary.
On board the aircraft were 126 passengers and crew. After the gear failure and subsequent fire, responders evacuated everyone on board. The injured were transported to local medical facilities for treatment. Medical officials described the injuries as not life-threatening, but multiple passengers required hospital care for assessment and stabilization. The remainder of the occupants were assisted in safely exiting the aircraft and moving away from the burning area as personnel worked to manage the scene.
The Red Air plane, identified as an MD-80 series aircraft, had just begun its rollout onto the runway when the problem with the landing gear became evident. Ground crews and investigators were dispatched to evaluate the landing gear system and assess potential damage to the airframe. Fire crews maintained a protective stance around the aircraft to prevent the spread of flames and to safeguard nearby airport facilities. The extent of the damage and the exact cause of the gear collapse were under investigation, with authorities noting that a mechanical fault could have contributed to the fire risk observed during the event. While aviation experts emphasize that gear malfunctions are uncommon, they remain a key focus in early investigative efforts and safety reviews after such incidents. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are expected to publish a detailed briefing once a formal examination has concluded, outlining the sequence of events and recommended safety actions for similar aircraft types in the future. (source: CBS News)