A Pegasus Airline plane skidded off the runway upon landing and broke in two parts before bursting into flames at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Istanbul, Turkey. Early reports say there would be no casualty.

The aircraft was a Pegasus Airlines Boeing 737, registered TC-IZK, carrying out flight PC2193 from Izmir Airport (ADB) in western Turkey. It reportedly skidded off the runway into an embankment, 20 meters down. The plane was split in three, before catching fire.

The runways at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), the second airport of the largest Turkish city, were slippery due to heavy rain, according to local media. The emergency teams were dispatched to the scene. They quickly extinguished the fire, and the evacuation of passengers was initiated, according to Ali Yerlikaya, Istanbul governor.

Transport Minister Cahit Turhan, quoted by state television TRT, said that no one was killed in the accident. A preliminary report states that 52 people were injured among the 177 passengers and six crew members that were on board.

This is the second incident of Pegasus Airlines that happens at Sabiha Gokcen International Airport within a month. On January 7, 2020, Pegasus Airlines Boeing 737-800 skidded off the runway, forcing the airport to temporarily suspend its operations. 

The aircraft, registered TC-CCK, was carrying out flight PC747 from Sharjah International Airport (SHJ), United Arab Emirates. Upon landing at its destination, the plane skidded off the runway and ended its course in the grass by the runway.

The incident was a lucky one, as there were no casualties or injuries to the 164 passengers onboard. Heavy rain and severe winds were reported in the city that day. The aircraft has since been returned to service. 

Pegasus Airlines is a low-cost Turkish airline based in Istanbul. It operates a fleet of 83 aircraft, including 46 Boeing 737-800, one Boeing 737-400, 24 Airbus A320-200 and 12 A320-200neo.

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Istanbul airport closed after Pegasus flight skids off runway
A Pegasus Airlines Boeing 737-800 skidded off the runway of Sabiha Gokcen International Airport in Istanbul, Turkey, forcing the second airport of the largest Turkish city to close.