DHL cargo aircraft reportedly struck by missile while departing from Baghdad

Airline Industry Information, Nov 24, 2003

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

A DHL cargo aircraft made an emergency landing at Baghdad's airport after the aircraft was reportedly struck by a weapon.

The crew reported being hit by a weapon, while ground personnel allegedly saw two missiles launched before the aircraft's wing burst into flames on Saturday (22 November). According to a military official on condition of anonymity, a SAM-7 surface-to-air missile struck the aircraft, whose wing caught fire shortly after takeoff. Fortunately all three crew members were unhurt.

The global package delivery service - which had been making several flights per day from Baghdad - is now suspending its flights to Baghdad while it conducts a "full security assessment", reported The Associated Press.

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