KLM cargo plane loses wing flap over Zimbabwe

A KLM cargo plane lost a part of one of its wings above Zimbabwe on Monday. The wing flap came loose as the Boeing 747-400ERF was approaching the Robert Mugabe Airport in the capital of Harare, a KLM spokesperson confirmed to NH Nieuws. As far as is known, no one was hurt.

The plane, operated for KLM Cargo by subsidiary Martinair, was on its way from Johannesburg to Harare, according to Luchtvaartnieuws. The flap fell off above Chitungwiza, some 30 kilometers southeast of Harare and near the airport.

"It is true that a KLM Cargo aircraft lost part of a flap on its wing when it landed at Harare, Zimbabwe", KLM said. "The crew of the aircraft managed to land the plane safely. The loose part was found just outside Harare and, as far as we know, did not cause any damage." KLM is investigating how the flap separated from the plain.

According to Luchtvaartnieuws, the flap is approximately one meter high and several meters long.

Photos posted by local newspaper Zim Morning Post show the Zimbabwean aviation authorities studying the wing flap, surrounded by a group of children.