Lufthansa Airlines Flight Makes Belly Landing Claiming 13 lives…Severe Injuries
Lufthansa Airlines Flight Makes Belly Landing, Claiming 13 Lives and Leaving Dozens Severely Injured
April 28, 2025 – Frankfurt, Germany — A Lufthansa Airlines passenger flight made an emergency belly landing earlier today at Frankfurt Airport, tragically claiming the lives of 13 passengers and leaving dozens more with severe injuries. The shocking incident has sent waves of grief and concern across Germany and the international aviation community, as authorities begin a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading up to the crash.
Details of the Incident
The flight, identified as LH492, was enroute from Barcelona, Spain to Frankfurt, carrying 147 passengers and 9 crew members on board. According to Lufthansa officials, the aircraft — an Airbus A320 — experienced a catastrophic landing gear failure while preparing for descent into Frankfurt Airport.
Initial reports suggest that the pilot and co-pilot were alerted to mechanical issues approximately 20 minutes before the scheduled landing. Despite multiple attempts to troubleshoot the problem mid-air, the flight crew ultimately declared an emergency and attempted a belly landing — a rare and highly dangerous maneuver where an aircraft lands without its landing gear deployed.
Eyewitnesses at the airport reported seeing sparks and smoke as the plane skidded along the runway on its fuselage before coming to a stop approximately 800 meters down the tarmac. Emergency responders, including fire and medical crews, rushed to the scene within minutes.
Casualties and Injuries
German authorities have confirmed that 13 people lost their lives in the accident — 11 passengers and 2 crew members. Over 60 individuals sustained injuries, many of them critical, and were immediately transported to nearby hospitals. Victims suffered a range of injuries, from broken bones and burns to traumatic head injuries.
Frankfurt University Hospital reported that they were treating 34 patients, with 15 listed in critical condition. Medical teams from surrounding areas were mobilized to support overwhelmed hospital staff.
“This is one of the most tragic days in Lufthansa’s history,” said Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr in a statement issued late Monday evening. “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this devastating event. We are fully cooperating with aviation authorities to determine the cause.”
Heroic Efforts
Despite the grim outcome, authorities praised the quick actions of the flight crew and first responders. According to preliminary accounts, Captain Julia Meier, a veteran with over 15 years of flying experience, managed to control the descent enough to prevent a complete disaster.
“A belly landing is incredibly complex and dangerous,” said aviation expert Dr. Martin Reichelt. “That there were survivors at all speaks volumes about the skill and composure of the cockpit crew.”
Passengers who survived the crash have also shared harrowing accounts of their experience. Sebastian Krüger, 38, from Cologne, recounted, “The pilot told us to brace for impact. There was panic, screaming, but somehow we managed to stay calm enough. When we hit the runway, it was like an explosion. Seats were torn, the smell of burning filled the cabin.”
Another passenger, Maria López, 27, from Madrid, credited the crew’s instructions with saving lives. “They shouted at us to keep low and head for the exits as soon as the plane stopped. I owe my life to their quick thinking.”
Investigation Underway
The German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) has launched a full-scale probe into the incident, collaborating closely with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) officials, Lufthansa technical teams, and Airbus engineers.
Investigators have already recovered the flight data recorder (“black box”) and cockpit voice recorder. Early indications suggest a mechanical failure of the landing gear deployment system, but officials caution that it is too early to draw definitive conclusions.
“This investigation will be meticulous and thorough,” said BFU spokesperson Hans Richter during a press conference. “We owe it to the victims and the flying public to find out exactly what went wrong and ensure it never happens again.”
Flight LH492’s Airbus A320 was reported to be 11 years old, considered a safe operating age for commercial jets, and had undergone its last routine maintenance check just three weeks ago.
Lufthansa’s Response
In addition to working closely with investigators, Lufthansa has pledged full support to the families of the victims. They have set up emergency hotlines and are offering free flights and accommodations to family members wishing to travel to Frankfurt.
The airline has also temporarily grounded its fleet of Airbus A320s fitted with the same model of landing gear, pending inspection. Scheduled flights are being rerouted or canceled, causing significant disruption for passengers across Europe.
“This decision is purely precautionary,” Lufthansa stated. “The safety of our passengers and staff remains our highest priority.”
Global Reactions
The crash has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from around the world. German Chancellor Annalena Baerbock offered condolences to the victims’ families and praised the heroic efforts of first responders. “Today, Germany mourns alongside the families affected by this heartbreaking tragedy,” she said.
Airbus issued a statement expressing sadness over the incident and reaffirming its commitment to assist investigators in any way necessary.
Aviation analysts note that while air travel remains statistically safe, incidents like these highlight the need for constant vigilance in maintenance, design, and operational procedures.
Looking Ahead
Frankfurt Airport, one of Europe’s busiest hubs, suspended operations for several hours following the crash but has since reopened with heightened security measures and partial runway restrictions. Investigators will remain on-site for several days as the scene is carefully analyzed.
Meanwhile, Lufthansa faces a long road ahead in restoring public trust. Aviation experts believe the airline’s future actions — particularly its transparency and willingness to implement any recommended safety changes — will be crucial.
“This tragedy must be a catalyst for change,” said Dr. Reichelt. “No life lost is acceptable, and every step must be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.”
The thoughts of millions are now with those who perished, those fighting for their lives, and all who have been scarred by this terrible event.
