U2 singer in air 'drama' as plane loses hatch

The private plane of U2 front man Bono lost a hatch on its approach to Berlin, authorities at the German airport have said.

There was no risk to the Irish singer in the incident.

Airport spokesman Ralf Kunkel told the DPA news agency that the 32in (80cm) by 40in (100cm) rear hatch landed in the vicinity of Schoenefeld airport, on the south-eastern edge of Berlin.

He said it was not clear why the hatch came off and that German authorities were investigating.

Mr Ralf said the aircraft, which was flying from Dublin, was never in danger of crashing and landed safely.

According to NBC News, the two pilots only found out on the ground that the aircraft had lost its door and two suitcases from the luggage compartment.

They told investigators that they noticed a rumble similar to turbulence during a right-hand turn on approach, but that they felt no major change in how the plane was flying.

Bono is in Berlin for the Bambi awards.