Tez Jet MD-83 suffers landing gear collapse while lining up for departure at Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

A Tez Jet McDonnell Douglas MD-83 sustained substantial damage after its left main landing gear collapsed while the aircraft was lining up for departure at Bishkek Manas International Airport (FRU/UCFM), Kyrgyzstan, on 7 July 2026. The incident prevented the flight from departing, and all occupants evacuated the aircraft safely.

According to initial information from the Aviation Safety Network, the aircraft was operating Tez Jet Flight K9117 when the incident occurred on Runway 26. As the aircraft was positioning on the runway for departure, the left main landing gear collapsed, leaving the MD-83 disabled on the runway. Airport emergency services responded immediately to the scene, and the aircraft was subsequently evacuated without reported injuries.

There have been no reports of fatalities or serious injuries. Passengers and crew were able to evacuate the aircraft after it came to a halt. Airport operations were temporarily affected while emergency crews secured the aircraft and began recovery operations.

The aircraft involved, EX-80003, is a McDonnell Douglas MD-83, one of the remaining examples of the classic MD-80 series still in scheduled passenger service. The type, introduced in the 1980s, continues to operate with a limited number of airlines worldwide despite its advancing age.

The exact cause of the landing gear collapse has not yet been determined. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft’s maintenance records, the landing gear assembly, and operational data to establish whether the incident resulted from a mechanical failure, maintenance issue, or another contributing factor.

The occurrence has been classified as an accident involving substantial aircraft damage, with the investigation ongoing. Additional information is expected to be released by Kyrgyz aviation authorities as the inquiry progresses.