Korean B744 at Frankfurt on Oct 8th 2014, dropped flap

A Korean Airlines Boeing 747-400 freighter, registration HL7400 performing flight KE-529 from Moscow Sheremetyevo (Russia) to Frankfurt/Main (Germany), was on approach to Frankfurt's runway 25L about to extend the landing gear when a part separated from the aircraft. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on runway 25L.

Germany's BFU opened an investigation into the occurrence, after examining the aircraft a part of the trailing edge flap was identified missing.

The aircraft was unable to resume its schedule but was able to ferry back to Korea on Oct 13th.

Police confimed observers on the ground reported to police on Oct 8th that an aircraft had lost a part while on approach to Frankfurt. The part was not found until Oct 15th, when it was located in a forest near Frankfurt Airport.

A part number on the debris, sized about 5 by 1 meters (197 by 39 inches) identifies the part as an inboard trailing edge foreflap.

The airline confirmed that one of their Boeings received damage on Oct 8th 2014, but cautioned that is yet to be verified the found part belongs to their aircraft. The aircraft was repaired and returned to Korea.

The debris found in Frankfurt's Stadtwald (Photo: R. Krug):