A Boeing 777 converted to a freighter made an extremely low flyby over Horseshoe Bay Resort Jet Center Airport in Texas on June 24. The aircraft, registration N705DN, approached just a few meters from the runway, according to video records and data from the ADS-B system. This plane is an old 777-200LR that belonged to Delta Air Lines and was modified for cargo transport by Mammoth Freighters.
Images reveal the dangerous aerial maneuver
The incident involving the Boeing 777 generated widespread repercussion, with videos showing the risky maneuver being shared on social media. The images confirm the aircraft’s extreme proximity to the ground, raising concerns about operational safety.
The lowest data recorded by Flightradar24’s ADS-B receivers indicated an altitude of 950 feet. This mark, however, is significantly higher than the aircraft’s actual height above the ground during the pass.
The difference in reading is due to the way ADS-B altitude data is communicated. They are reported in 25-foot increments and correspond to the barometric altitude above mean sea level, using a standard pressure. To determine the exact height above the ground, you must adjust the reading for local atmospheric pressure and the specific elevation of the aerodrome.
Considering factors such as the local atmospheric pressure (QNH) of 1018 hPa and the aerodrome altitude of 1080 feet above sea level, the Boeing 777’s altitude was within the ADS-B system’s margin of error, which varies from 0 to 25 feet. This technical precision, however, does not alleviate concerns about the safety implications of a maneuver so close to the ground, especially in test flights where protocols are rigorous to guarantee the integrity of the aircraft and future operations.
Mammoth Freighters clarifies involvement in airline incident
The company Mammoth Freighters, responsible for converting the aircraft into a freighter, commented on what happened. In a statement issued on June 25, the company stated that it was aware of the video that went viral on social media.
Mammoth clarified that it does not own the aircraft and therefore was not in control of it at the time of the maneuver. The company reported that the current owner, which is not Qatar Airways, was responsible for operating the plane. Currently, the aircraft is in the final stages of preparation to be delivered to Qatar Airways.
According to Mammoth Freighters, although the plane was in Qatar Airways livery, it was not owned by the airline, was not being operated by it, was not registered with Qatar Airways and the pilots on board did not belong to the airline’s team.
Jetran LLC’s position on the freighter flyby
Jetran LLC, the current owner of the aircraft, also released an official position. The company confirmed that it was aware of the video that shows the freighter performing a low flight in a manner that does not comply with established operational standards.
Jetran LLC reiterated the information that despite the Qatar Airways livery, the aircraft was not owned, operated, registered or crewed by Qatar Airways pilots at the time of the incident.
The company confirmed that the Boeing 777 was carrying out a final test flight before its delivery, which is expected to see it join the Qatar Airways Cargo fleet.
Jetran LLC concluded its statement by stating its expectation that the relevant parties and authorities will conduct an in-depth investigation into the matter and take whatever action is deemed appropriate.