It was a routine departure that quickly spiraled into a tale of unexpected peril and prompt response. On February 18, 2024, an Air Serbia flight operating a Marathon Airlines Embraer E195LR found itself in a precarious situation mere minutes after takeoff from Belgrade. In a startling incident that underscores the fragility of air travel, the aircraft collided with the Instrument Landing System (ILS) array for runway 12R, a critical component of airport infrastructure designed to guide planes during landing. This collision not only endangered the lives onboard but also caused significant damage to the aircraft and disrupted the airport's operation.

The flight, which had taken off from runway 30L at Belgrade's bustling airport, faced an unforeseen challenge approximately 1100 meters past the runway's end. As it ascended to 4,000 feet, passengers experienced a jarring sensation, described by some as a feeling that "something broke and the aircraft shook." This moment of fear was the immediate aftermath of the aircraft striking the ILS array, resulting in substantial damage to its left wing. Despite the gravity of the situation, the crew managed to maintain control, electing to burn off excess fuel before making a safe return to Belgrade.

In the wake of the incident, the airport's instrument landing capabilities were notably compromised, with the runway's instrument landing category being downgraded. This unforeseen event prompted a swift evacuation of passengers upon the aircraft's return. Eyewitnesses recounted being escorted off the aircraft promptly, a move that, while ensuring their safety, left many uninformed about the extent of the damage they had narrowly escaped. On the ground, the visible wreckage on the aircraft's left wing served as a stark reminder of the incident's severity.