Fire Breaks Out on Lufthansa Cargo Plane After Engine Failure at Frankfurt Airport

As of April 10, 2025, there have been no reported incidents involving a fire breaking out on a Lufthansa Cargo plane due to engine failure at Frankfurt Airport. However, several past incidents involving Lufthansa aircraft at Frankfurt Airport and other locations provide insight into the challenges and safety measures associated with aviation operations.​

Lufthansa Cargo MD-11 Rejected Takeoff Due to Engine Failure (May 8, 2018)

On May 8, 2018, a Lufthansa Cargo McDonnell Douglas MD-11, registered as D-ALCE, was scheduled to operate flight GEC-8340 from Frankfurt to Tel Aviv. During the takeoff roll on runway 18, the crew experienced an engine failure and decided to reject the takeoff at high speed. The aircraft safely decelerated and returned to the apron for inspection. This incident underscores the critical importance of crew training and decision-making in responding to engine malfunctions during critical phases of flight. ​

Tow Truck Fire Damages Lufthansa A340 at Frankfurt Airport (June 11, 2018)

In another incident on June 11, 2018, a Lufthansa Airbus A340-300, registered as D-AIFA, was being towed to the departure gate at Frankfurt Airport when the tow truck caught fire. The flames caused substantial damage to the aircraft, including smoke damage to the cockpit. Ten people suffered minor injuries due to smoke inhalation. This event highlights the potential risks associated with ground operations and the importance of stringent safety protocols for ground support equipment. ​

Lufthansa Cargo Flight 8460 Accident in Riyadh (July 27, 2010)

While not occurring at Frankfurt Airport, the accident involving Lufthansa Cargo Flight 8460 is noteworthy. On July 27, 2010, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, registered as D-ALCQ, was operating a flight from Frankfurt to Hong Kong with a stopover in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Upon landing in Riyadh, the aircraft experienced a hard landing, bounced, and then impacted the runway with sufficient force to cause the fuselage to rupture. A fire erupted in the cargo hold, leading to the aircraft’s destruction. The crew evacuated safely, with the captain sustaining minor injuries and the first officer suffering a serious back injury. The investigation attributed the accident to the high descent rate at touchdown and improper recovery from the bounced landing. ​

Engine Shut Down In-Flight: Lufthansa A320 Incident (October 15, 2023)

More recently, on October 15, 2023, a Lufthansa Airbus A320-200, registered as D-AIZW, was performing flight LH-890 from Frankfurt to Riga, Latvia. Shortly after departure from Frankfurt’s runway 25C, the crew reported a failure of the right-hand engine (CFM56). The engine was shut down, and the aircraft returned safely to Frankfurt approximately 17 minutes after departure. Passengers reported hearing a bang from the right side, followed by the aircraft shaking and a metallic clicking sound. This incident emphasizes the importance of effective engine monitoring and the crew’s ability to manage engine failures flights

Safety Measures and Protocols

Aviation authorities and airlines, including Lufthansa, continually assess and enhance safety measures to mitigate risks associated with engine failures and ground operations. These measures include rigorous maintenance schedules, comprehensive crew training programs, and the implementation of advanced monitoring systems to detect and address potential issues proactively.​

Conclusion

While the specific incident of a fire breaking out on a Lufthansa Cargo plane due to engine failure at Frankfurt Airport has not been reported as of April 10, 2025, past events highlight the complexities and inherent risks in aviation operations. Continuous improvements in safety protocols, crew training, and maintenance practices are essential to ensure the safety of passengers, aircraft