A cargo aircraft has taxied off the runway at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) in Alabama. The Boeing for UPS became stuck in the mud early Thursday morning as it was taxiing in after landing.The aircraft has just flown in from Louisville, Kentucky, the company’s largest air hub. According to aircraft tracking data, the Boeing 767 Freighter (operating as flight 5X1356) departed Louisville's Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) at 05:01 and touched down in Birmingham 55 minutes later at 04:56.
Airport spokesperson Kim Hunt confirmed the accident happened around 05:10 when the 767 was trying to make a turn. Based on photos of the incident, it appears the nose of the aircraft successfully made the corner. However, the main wheels on the right-hand side of the aircraft became lodged in the mud as the aircraft continued to turn right and it was unable to extricate itself.
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The incident did not have any impact on other flights arriving or departing from the Alabama airport despite the aircraft remaining lodged for the majority of the day. Hunt, who is the Vice President of Communications for Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, explained the rescue process when reached by Simple Flying for comment:
"UPS crews from Louisville came in to assist with the removal of the aircraft from the taxiway.
"Last night, at around 9pm, the crews were able to pull the aircraft out of the mud and get it completely back on the taxiway. The plane then continued on to the Air Cargo facility."
A spokesperson for UPS confirmed the crew is safe and the operator is currently working on returning the aircraft to service.
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UPS Airlines and the 767 Freighter
The aircraft in question is registered N327UP and was delivered to the carrier N327UP in December 1988. The 24.2-year-old aircraft is owned by UPS Airlines outright and has never flown for another carrier.
UPS Airlines is a major operator of the capable and versatile type. Originally designed for passenger use as the Boeing 767, a cargo version based on the passenger 767-300ER has seen unexpected longevity. The cargo company recently made a firm commitment to add another eight of the heavyweights to its fleet.
The latest order followed a December 2021 order with Boeing for 19 additional Boeing 767 Freighters. The two orders combined will bring the total number in the carrier's fleet up from 100 to 108. One of the aircraft yet to be delivered is a 767 freighter conversion. The conversion process has become increasingly popular as owners look to find a second life for expensive airframes. The converted 767 is expected to be delivered by the end of this year.
The new orders will supplement the carrier's existing fleet. The last Boeing 747 to go to UPS Airlines was delivered in April of 2022, marking the end of an era for the iconic Queen of the Skies. Although aircraft will still fly with UPS for the foreseeable future.