Boeing 777 Freighter Performs Dramatic Low Pass Over Texas Airfield
Video/Photo Source: Eric Breno on X
A Boeing 777-200LR Freighter, undergoing conversion and final preparations before joining Qatar Airways Cargo, has attracted attention after performing a dramatic low pass over Horseshoe Bay Resort Jet Center (DZB) in Texas.
Video footage captured by Eric Breno shows the aircraft banking steeply to the right as it passed over the airfield, with the right wingtip appearing extremely close to the ground. The maneuver quickly sparked discussion among aviation enthusiasts and professionals online due to the aircraft's apparent proximity to the terrain.
The aircraft involved, registered N705DN, previously flew for Delta Air Lines before being acquired by Jetran for cargo conversion. According to reports, the flight was conducted as a ceremonial flyover for the aircraft owner.
Although AirNav Radar's ADS-B network recorded a minimum transmitted altitude of 952 feet, this should not be interpreted as the aircraft's exact clearance above the terrain. To estimate the aircraft's true vertical position during the maneuver, the transmitted altitude must be correlated with the local QNH (1018 hPa) and the airfield elevation of 1,080 feet MSL. Once these parameters are considered, the calculated flight path is consistent with the aircraft operating at a very low altitude over the runway, with any remaining difference falling within the expected tolerance of ADS-B pressure altitude reporting.
While the flight landed without incident and no injuries or damage were reported, the maneuver is likely to attract regulatory attention. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may review the flight profile and operational circumstances to determine whether any further investigation is warranted.
