Sepehran Airlines Boeing Hits Turbulence, Cabin Ceiling Collapses During Takeoff
A recent flight operated by Sepehran Airlines experienced severe vibrations during takeoff from Mashhad, Iran, causing sections of the cabin ceiling to collapse. The Boeing 737-300 aircraft was traveling to Kermanshah when the outer layer of a landing-gear tire separated, prompting an engine emergency and return to Mashhad.
The incident occurred on September 8, just hours after sanctions were imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department on 27 Iranian carriers, including Sepehran Airlines. The airline operates older Boeing 737-300 and 737-500 aircraft due to Western restrictions limiting access to new planes and parts.
No injuries were reported among the passengers, who were safely removed from the aircraft and sent to Kermanshah on a replacement flight. An investigation by Iran's Civil Aviation Organization is ongoing to determine the cause of the incident and its possible connection to earlier problems with shimmy in the main landing gear.