A GOL Boeing 737 MAX 8 departing Rio de Janeiro in Brazil struck a service vehicle on the runway, causing significant damage to the aircraft’s fuselage.
The Brazilian carrier was performing flight G31674 from Rio (GIG) to Fortaleza (FOR) with a Boeing 737 MAX 8 registered PS-GPP. The five and half year-old aircraft started its takeoff roll from runway 10 just after 1 a.m. local time when those on board heard a loud bang.
The aircraft drifted sharply to the right before being brought back to the runway centre line. The pilots performed a rejected takeoff, and announced that the aircraft hit a service vehicle on the runway.
All passengers and crew members were able to disembark normally, and thankfully there were no reported injuries or loss of life. There were no occupants in the vehicle at the time of the incident.
According to ATC transmissions that night, the pilots reported that the vehicle was at the centre of the runway between taxiways AA and DD.
Both GOL and RIOgaleão International Airport officials confirmed the incident. In a statement, a GOL spokesperson said:
The aircraft collided with a “vehicle of the administrator of RIOgaleão Airport, which was on the runway during the takeoff procedure”.
“Takeoff was stopped and all passengers and crew disembarked safely. An extra flight to Fortaleza was made available for those who chose to continue their journey. Those who decided to remain in Rio de Janeiro received all assistance for accommodation, transportation and food.”
From the photos and videos online, it appears the vehicle struck the left side underbelly, causing significant damage to the fuselage, starting near the air inlets, spanning all the way to the main gear wheel well.
It’s hard to tell from the photos, but it appears the left engine inlet was also damaged during the collision.
The Chevrolet airport service pick-up truck also suffered extensive damage as the top section of the cab was torn off entirely.
CENIPA, Brazil’s Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center, is now investigating the matter to determine why the maintenance vehicle was on the runway while the aircraft was cleared for takeoff.
