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Date:
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Time:
20:40 Local Time
Type of Aircraft:
Boeing 737-800
Owner/Operator:
Virgin Australia Airlines
Registration:
Not specified
MSN:
Not specified
Year of Manufacture:
Not specified
Engine Model:
CFM International CFM56-7B
Fatalities:
0 / Occupants: Not applicable
Other Fatalities:
0
Aircraft Damage:
Substantial
Category:
Other
Location:
Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport, VIC (MEL/YMML) – Australia
Phase:
Pushback / Towing
Nature:
Not specified
Departure Airport:
Not applicable
Destination Airport:
Not applicable
Investigating Agency:
Airport authority (internal)
Confidence Rating:
Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources
Circumstances:
On July 27, 2025, at approximately 20:40 local time, a Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800 was damaged during a ground handling incident at Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport (MEL), Victoria. The aircraft was being towed to a maintenance hangar when it became disconnected from the tug vehicle.
The disconnected tug subsequently impacted the left side of the aircraft, causing a substantial tear in the fuselage. No passengers or crew were onboard at the time, and no injuries were reported.
Footage from the scene showed a significant gash in the side of the aircraft, with airport staff working to assess and temporarily patch the damage. The aircraft had been scheduled for routine maintenance and was not in active passenger service.
Virgin Australia confirmed the event and stated that it does not expect the incident to impact scheduled flight operations. Melbourne Airport authorities have initiated an internal investigation into the cause of the disconnection.
Sources:
News.com.au, Nine News, Virgin Australia
Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving light aircraft, helicopters, charter flights, balloons, commuter aircraft and airlines throughout Australia and overseas to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for pilots, passengers, operators, aircraft owners and aviation employees worldwide. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of aircraft accident compensation claims.