Cabin roof collapses during takeoff

A Boeing 737 operated by Sepehran Airlines experienced a catastrophic structural failure shortly after takeoff from Mashhad, Iran on Tuesday, with ceiling panels detaching and crashing onto passengers below.

Passengers scream as aircraft shakes violently

Footage shows terrified passengers gripping their seats as the cabin vibrates intensely, with screams heard as ceiling panels begin to detach and fall onto the rows below.

Pilot declares emergency, returns to airport

The aircraft's pilot immediately declared an emergency and turned the plane around, landing safely back at Mashhad Hashemi Nejad International Airport within minutes of the structural failure.

Multiple mechanical failures during takeoff

The plane suffered a tyre blowout during takeoff and is believed to have experienced damage to one of its engines, compounding the structural emergency unfolding in the cabin.

Falling debris injures some passengers

Some passengers were struck by items falling from damaged overhead compartments during the incident, though no serious injuries were officially reported.

Flight carried 127 people on board

The Sepehran Airlines flight was carrying 127 passengers and crew members who were heading to the western city of Kermanshah when the structural failure occurred.

Passengers transferred to replacement aircraft

After landing safely, all passengers were transferred to another aircraft to complete their journey to Kermanshah.

Airport runway temporarily closed

The incident resulted in one of the two runways at Mashhad International Airport being temporarily closed, though the full impact on flight operations remains unclear.

Technical investigation underway

Iranian authorities have launched a technical investigation into the structural failure, though initial findings have not yet been released.

Iran's aging aircraft fleet

Iran's commercial aviation fleet includes aircraft dating back decades, kept in service far longer than typical due to restrictions on obtaining new Western-built planes.

Sanctions limit spare parts access

International sanctions have made it difficult for Iranian airlines to obtain genuine spare parts and modern maintenance equipment, forcing reliance on complex workarounds to keep aging aircraft flying.

Iran blames sanctions for aviation struggles

Iranian authorities and officials have repeatedly blamed international sanctions for the difficulties facing the country's aviation industry, citing restrictions on aircraft procurement and maintenance access.

Technical cause requires investigation

While sanctions have created systemic challenges for Iranian aviation, the specific cause of this structural failure will require detailed technical analysis to determine.

Part of broader Boeing 737 concerns

This incident is the latest in a series of emergencies involving Boeing 737 aircraft, raising questions about the model's safety record and maintenance standards globally.

Ryanair 737 wing strike in Dublin

Last week, a Ryanair Boeing 737 struck the runway with its wing during an aborted landing at Dublin Airport, with the aircraft tipping onto its side before pilots regained control.

“On landing in Dublin yesterday evening Ryanair flight FR9457 from Bologna suffered a minor wing tip impact.”

Ryanair plane recovered after go-around

The Ryanair pilots aborted the landing and took the aircraft back into the air, successfully landing the plane safely about fifteen minutes later with all passengers unharmed.

Ryanair aircraft returned to service

After engineers repaired the wing tip damage, the Ryanair aircraft was returned to service the following morning, resuming normal flight operations.