Close call: Passenger jet narrowly escapes disaster during takeoff at Moscow airport (VIDEO)

A Boeing 737-800 flown by Russia’s S7 carrier almost ran out of runway during takeoff from a Moscow airport. The jet raised a cloud of dust and destroyed lighting units beside the strip but was still able to get into the air.

The incident, which could have ended in a tragedy for the more than 150 people on board, occurred early on Monday and was caught on CCTV cameras at Domodedovo airport, some 22 kms south-east of the capital.

The carrier confirmed the emergency situation, adding that it didn’t prevent the jet from completing its flight and safely landing at Simferopol airport in Russia’s Crimea.

A check of the plane revealed damage to the chassis, which resulted in a delay to its return flight. Flightradar24 says the aircraft in question is currently withdrawn from flying.

Five lighting units were destroyed during the botched takeoff, but operations at Domodedovo airport were unhindered.

In an emailed statement to RT, Domodedovo said that "no elements of illuminating devices were found on a runway as it spread outside of the movement area." It added that the airport "continued to function normally" and that the incident "didn't affect take-offs and landings."

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