A Boeing 747-400ERF from KLM lost a wing part above Zimbabwe on Monday during the approach to Harare international airport. According to Flightradar24, the aeroplane is registered PH-CKA, a cargo aircraft delivered in 2003.
The Boeing 747 operated by KLM subsidiary Martinair was on its way from Johannesburg to Harare on flight MP8372. Above Chitungwiza, thirty kilometres southeast of the capital Harare and near the airport, the aircraft lost a flap. Fortunately, nobody on the ground was injured and the loose part has not caused any damage.
The pilot managed to land the aircraft safely on runway 05 of Harare airport.
Flight MP8372 was due to continue to Amsterdam, but is now stuck in Harare in expectation of a new flap.
The flap is approximately one metre wide and several metres long. Flaps are movable panels on the trailing edge or back of the wing used to increase lift at lower speeds, to stop the plane from stalling. They are used during take-off and landing. KLM is investigating why such a part could separate from the wing.
