Overview
• Operator: TUI Airlines Belgium
• Aircraft Model: Boeing 737-8 MAX
• Registration: OO-MAX
• Flight Number: TB-3465
• Route: Brussels (Belgium) to Oran (Algeria)
• Date: 27 January 2025
• Occupants: Unspecified
• Injuries: None reported
• Damage: None reported
Incident Summary
A TUI Airlines Belgium Boeing 737-8 MAX, operating flight TB-3465, departed Brussels’ runway 25R en route to Oran, Algeria. While the aircraft was cruising at FL370 near Limoges, France, the crew was notified that debris had been discovered on the taxiway and runway at Brussels Airport, which was suspected to have come from their aircraft. In response, the crew initiated a return to Brussels, preparing the cabin for a possible emergency landing.
The aircraft landed safely on runway 25R approximately 90 minutes after departure. A post-flight inspection revealed no apparent damage or missing components, confirming the aircraft was not the source of the debris. Due to crew duty time limitations, the flight was postponed to the following day.
Sequence of Events
1. Departure & Climb
• The aircraft departed Brussels Airport (BRU) runway 25R without issue.
• The flight reached cruise altitude of FL370 near Limoges, France.
2. Notification & Decision to Return
• The crew was informed that airport authorities had discovered debris on the taxiway and departure runway at Brussels.
• Air traffic control and the airline suspected the debris may have originated from TB-3465.
• The French Air Force, conducting a training mission nearby, performed a visual inspection of the aircraft’s landing gear but found no visible anomalies.
• As a precautionary measure, the crew decided to return to Brussels and prepared the cabin for an emergency landing.
3. Safe Landing & Inspection
• The aircraft landed safely on runway 25R approximately 90 minutes after departure.
• A thorough post-flight inspection by TUI Belgium’s maintenance team revealed no structural damage, missing components, or malfunctions.
• The aircraft was deemed airworthy, but the flight could not resume due to crew duty time limits.
4. Flight Resumption & Delays
• The aircraft remained on the ground for approximately 16 hours before departing again.
• The rescheduled flight successfully reached Oran with a delay of about 19 hours.
Investigation & Safety Considerations
• Brussels Airport authorities are investigating the source of the debris found on the taxiway and runway.
• The aircraft’s return was precautionary, following standard risk mitigation procedures when potential damage is suspected.
• A thorough technical examination confirmed that the 737 MAX was not the source of the debris.
• The French Air Force’s visual check in-flight played a crucial role in assessing the aircraft’s condition before landing.
Recommendations
• Airport Safety Review: A full analysis of the debris found on the taxiway and runway should be conducted to prevent future occurrences.
• Aircraft Pre-Departure Checks: Although no issues were found, the airline may consider enhanced walk-around inspections to verify aircraft integrity before departure.
• Enhanced ATC & Military Coordination: The use of military aircraft for airborne visual inspections proved beneficial and could be formally integrated into emergency procedures.
Aircraft Status & Operational Impact
• The aircraft was cleared for flight following its inspection.
• The return to Brussels led to a 19-hour delay for flight TB-3465.
• There were no reported injuries or damage.
Disclaimer
This report is based on available information as of 28 January 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
