Sepehran Airlines Boeing 737
A Sepehran Airlines Boeing 737 flying from Mashhad to Kermanshah in Iran was forced to return to Mashhad shortly after takeoff after a tyre problem and a reported engine emergency, with dramatic cabin footage showing interior panels coming loose during severe shaking. Sepehran Airlines has also experienced another Boeing 737 incident at Mashhad in recent weeks. On August 25, a Boeing 737-500 reportedly veered off the runway after landing, with its nose landing gear collapsing.
Because of international sanctions, the incident comes amid wider scrutiny of Iran’s ageing commercial aircraft fleet, which has faced long-standing difficulties in accessing Western aircraft, spare parts and maintenance support. The pilot subsequently reported an engine emergency to air traffic control and requested permission to return to Mashhad. The aircraft landed safely, and no injuries were reported among those on board. The exact relationship between the tyre problem and the reported engine emergency remains unclear. Iranian aviation authorities are investigating the incident, and there is currently no confirmed finding that the tyre problem caused damage to the engine. No injuries were reported in that incident.
Authorities are expected to examine the aircraft’s tyre, landing gear, engines and cabin systems to establish what triggered the latest emergency and why the cabin interior was damaged during the flight.