FedEx airplane makes hard landing at Tennessee airport

Fire officials say landing gear failure led to incident

A FedEx cargo airplane made a hard landing in Chattanooga, Tennessee, after a landing gear failure. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

An investigation is underway after a FedEx cargo airplane skidded off a runway at an airport in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Wednesday. The three people on board were uninjured.

The incident occurred around 11 p.m. when a call came in that an airplane was experiencing a landing gear failure. 

In an ATC communication obtained by Local 3 News, the pilot is heard saying, “We’re going to turn back immediately and we’re going to fly down a no-gear landing.”

The Boeing 757 circled the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport before making its final descent, the Chattanooga Fire Department said in a statement. “The plane crash landed, skidding off the end of the runway.”

The Chattanooga Fire Department, Chattanooga Police Department and Hamilton County EMS responded to the scene. 

No fire was reported, just smoke from the engines, the statement read. “Great work by the pilot and airport personnel, as well as all responding agencies for their coordinated efforts.”

The incident forced the shutdown of the main runway of the airport.

FedEx currently operates one morning flight and one evening flight from Chattanooga to Memphis, Tennessee.

The Federal Aviation Administration has opened an investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board is on the scene.

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
Compliance

Brokerage Compliance Symposium

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Awards

F3 Awards Dinner

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
FreightTech

F3: Future of Freight Festival

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Compliance Brokerage Compliance Symposium Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
Awards F3 Awards Dinner Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Oct 27 – Oct 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now