There is more than the story than winds... That may be the pilots story, but will interesting to see what the FDR has to say.

Maybe so... But a lot of temp repairs will have to be done... or it may be a burial at see in an unknown location!

Yes.... You just brought back some precious memories... thank you... He was certainly a good man and had some great things to say...

Flew Trans International Airways Stretch 8 (DC-8-62) with JTD-8s, chartered by the BSA, for travel to/from Scandinavia the summer of 1975 for the 14th World Jamboree.
The crew appeared to be dangerous on an ATL-BGR first leg when the thrust reverse cans were deployed and activated 20 -30' above the runway - resulting in a sudden drop to the runway, damaging at least the new tires on the left mains, having the new rubber tires taken all the way down to the cord on all four tires.

I was the only Boy Scout to exit the line into the terminal to inspect the tires, so, I know for sure what occurred.
I observed the aircraft the entire time on the ground, never seeing any pilot inspect the under-carriage.

The roll-out and taxi to the runway was a very loud and noticeable thump-along back to the terminal.
When we taxied out to depart to Bergen, Norway, the loud and significant thumping of the mains from the deep damage to the tires was unbelievable, the takeoff run being insane and very noticeable.

The landing at Bergen was the same.
I just have to say that Douglas aircraft, like every other pilots seems to say, are built like tanks.
Not to forget the eventual return to the states from Copenhagen, with the aircraft apparently over maximum gross, a hot an humid August day, and, we used the entire runway to take-off, having eventually rotated, sitting on the mains forever until we just barely got off the runway, me in complete amazement that we weren't hitting the opposite-end landing lights, but, JUST BARELY.

We stopped at Toronto Pearson on the return to refuel, the aircraft came to a stop somewhere about 2,000' from the tarmac, and the engines were shut down along with the air conditioning.
In the blistering sun, all on board were getting to the point of passing out from heat exhaustion, and, the captain opened the main door for us to exit.

I remember from looking out the window and seeing boy scouts running out into the path of a new CP Air 747 taxing by and it stopping right in front of me!
I stopped and stood there, halting others, so, the 747 could pass; but, really because I'd never seen a fantastic 747 on the ground, and, this was an incredible opportunity with my 35mm camera.

I remember thinking that it was an experience I'd never forget, and, it is.
However, a fellow scout and now 777 driver remembers none of it.
I never stopped thinking to myself that I'd be reading about an eventual TIA mishap, but, never did.
Nevertheless, loved the overall experience.

a significant portion of the 707's built were involved in some sort of hull-destruction incident. collisions (on-ground and in-air), hard landing, CFIT, runway over-/under-runs, etc.
to be fair, none of those were caused by design/build flaws, but rather by shortcomings in the infrastructure.

Given the age of the AC and the memory of JAL 123, maybe not such a wise idea

My thoughts exactly... It is bigger than a lot of the Airport... Was surprised that the 57 can even land there.

There is one that is a Cocktail lounge. N8083A is in Auburn-Lewiston Airport in Maine.

Why? they do it all the time with other manmade objects once they are emptied of fuel and oil, and create artificial reefs

Delta has the 757 on its retirement roster for 2020. Its currently sitting about 1000 from the European Mainland and probably 2000 miles to a qualified maintenance facility.

Any way you slice it, its expensive to scrap in situ or temporary repair and ferry to qualified facility.

Wonder how many internal panels broke loose....

ofcourse it can be repaired. Anything can be repaired. But it is a total loss. A total loss is when it costs more or the same as what the plane is worth. Scrap it. Or sell to a 3rd world country. Did I say that ? oops.

Yes...but I think you used the wrong letter in that word... should be a "p"... exPensive! :)

"broke the Keel beam"
eek

I’ve flown in there once and over it twice. So, I know exactly where the Azores are!
Get an Atlas and look it up.

Seasonal service. I was not aware either until we visited Azores

It would still be easier and cheaper than repairing this one.

I agree wholeheartedly and as a former B757 pilot. Beautiful aircraft, ahead of its time and what else can you say about a Rolls Royce powered RB-211??

This article was about a Delta plane.

Take a deep breath and think pleasant thoughts.