A SunExpress Boeing 737 MAX 8 departing for Diyarbakir, Turkey made the precautionary return to Izmir after reporting flight control issues after takeoff on 4 October 2024.
SunExpress flight XQ9282, operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8, had conducted a departure from runway 16L Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADE).
SunExpress Izmir-Diyarbakir
Shortly after takeoff, flight crew reported experiencing a flight control issue. According to the airline, the aircraft’s elevator movement was restricted.
As a result, flight crew terminated the climb procedure and entered a holding procedure to the west of the origin airport. Following a series of orbits, presumably to run troubleshooting checks, the flight crew elected to make a precautionary return to Izmir.
The flight subsequently landed without further incident on runway 16L Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, approximately one hour after initial departure.
Flight Details
Flight data shows that flight XQ9282 and made a delayed departure out of Izmir on 4 October. Actual time of departure was listed as 2130 local time. Scheduled departure time for the service was listed as 2035 local time.
Following takeoff the aircraft had climbed to FL120 (12,000 feet) before flight crew aborted the climb and entered a holding procedure at that altitude. A direct return to the origin airport was then negotiated after a short period of holding.
The aircraft conducting the XQ9282 regional service to Diyarbakir Airport (DIY) was a Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered TC-SMD. This is a 2.9 year old narrowbody aircraft belonging to the carrier SunExpress. It has been an operational service with the airline since its initial delivery from the factory in December 2021.
SunExpress is a Turkish-German airline based in Antalya, Turkey. It was founded in October 1989 as a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa. SunExpress offers flights to over 90 destinations worldwide, with a focus on leisure travel.
- Hubs: Antalya Airport, Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, Frankfurt Airport, Stuttgart Airport, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport
- Destinations: Over 90 destinations worldwide
- Fleet: Primarily Boeing 737 aircraft
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