Viral video footage showed the plane carrying out the emergency landing, as the operating crew, which includes Russian pilots, managed to control the aircraft and land it safely despite the loss of one of its main wheels.

Today, Monday, June 13, 2026, Benghazi airport in eastern Libya witnessed a successful emergency landing by a Libyan Antonov An-32 cargo plane after a landing gear malfunction involving the loss of the left rear wheel before reaching the runway.

Viral video footage showed the plane carrying out the emergency landing, as the operating crew, which includes Russian pilots, managed to control the aircraft and land it safely despite the loss of one of its main wheels.

According to preliminary information, the plane belongs to a Libyan company and is used for cargo transport operations. The pilots successfully executed emergency procedures according to approved protocols, which helped avoid a major accident.

Initial reports indicated that the plane came to a stop on the runway without catching fire or veering off the landing path, and no injuries were recorded among the crew members. Emergency and firefighting teams rushed to the aircraft immediately after it stopped to ensure the situation was safe.

The relevant authorities at Benina airport have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the incident to determine the causes of the loss of the left rear wheel and to ascertain whether the defect was due to a technical malfunction or the wheel detaching during the flight or at takeoff.

The Antonov An-32 is a multi-purpose transport aircraft developed by Antonov. It is widely used for cargo transport and logistics operations and is known for its ability to operate in harsh weather conditions and on unpaved runways, making it common in several countries.

Aviation experts confirm that the loss of a main landing gear wheel is a rare occurrence; however, flight crews undergo regular training to handle such malfunctions, ensuring a safe landing and minimizing potential damage to the aircraft and its crew.