Airbus A340 Crashes During Testing

Filed in archive Aviation News on November 16, 2007

In another blow for the Airbus, a A340 crashed hit wall injuring 10 people during engine tests in Toulouse airport yesterday. According to an AP report, the aircraft was in the final stages of testing before the crash. An Airbus spokesman said "for an unknown reason the aircraft began to roll and it climbed up the embankment in front of it."

No one on what caused the accident and if the aircraft is safe for travel. That particular airplane belonged to Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad Airways.

"The nine people on board were all evacuated and we do not know the condition of the injured," an Airbus official told AFP, adding that the plane was "seriously damaged."

Two of the passengers and another person on the ground were seriously injured, police said. In all 10 people were injured and four people were hospitalised, three of whom were in serious conditions, they said.

Eighty firefighters rushed to the scene after the plane slammed nose-first into the barrier and the tail hit the tarmac.

European aircraft manufacturer said it "deeply regrets" the accident which occurred at 5:00 pm (1600 GMT) during "engine-run-ups". The company said however that only five people had been injured.

"At this time, recovery operations are still in progress and Airbus staff is working closely with the emergency services and local authorities at the site," it said in a statement.

"Airbus expresses its sympathy to the families and friends of the persons concerned."

It also promised to support French authorities investigating the accident.