Orient Thai Airlines aircraft aborts flight after losing panel on wing

Airline Industry Information, Dec 9, 2003

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

An Orient Thai Airlines flight reportedly lost a small panel from its left wing during a flight from Hong Kong to Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The Boeing 747-200 aircraft was 15 minutes into the flight when the pilot radioed the air traffic control tower at Chek Lap Kok to request a turnaround. As a precautionary measure the Fire Services staff were placed on stand-by, but the aircraft landed safely at the airport.

Two aviation department officials reported the missing panel, which measured about 80 centimetres by one metre. However, the Civil Aviation Department has said that the flight was never in any danger.

The passengers continued their journey to Chiang Mai on a second aircraft, reported The Associated Press.

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