At Frankfurt Airport, the Malta Air-operated Boeing 737-800 with the registration 9H-QAH suffered an unusual incident on the ground. Apparently, the ground crew failed to remove a pole that is used to tow or push back aircraft.

The incident, which occurred on December 17, 2021, initially went unnoticed. The medium-haul jet rolled over the apron as if nothing was happening. The large metal part jammed under the machine and caused strong sparks to develop. As a result, the 9H-QAH was at least slightly damaged.

Videos and photos taken by eyewitnesses show that the bar, which is normally used for pushbacks and towing, has tilted under the right engine of the Boeing 737-800. The Ryanair cockpit staff does not seem to have noticed this at first, as there is no other explanation for the fact that the taxiing continued for so long.

The process was then immediately interrupted and the passengers were asked to leave the medium-haul jet. The 9H-QAH was supposed to fly to Fuerteventura as FR2907. That was not possible due to the incident on the ground. This Boeing 737-800 was subsequently examined by technicians and damage was repaired.

On the evening of December 18, 2021, Malta Air transferred the aircraft concerned as FR15 to Berlin-Brandenburg. The 19H-QAH has been in active liner service again since December 2021, 9. The "comeback" flight was carried out as FR146 to London-Stansted.