Emirates aircraft experiences tail-scrape at Melbourne Airport

The aircraft an Airbus A340-500 (registration A6-ERG) was heading for Dubai when the incident occurred. 225 passsenger were on board. No fatalaties or injuries are reported. Departing from RWY 16 the aircraft experienced a tail-scrape and subsequently damaged some of the runway lighting at the threshold. Reports have been made that the aircraft's tail hit the ground more than once before becoming airborne. The crew also reported smoke inside the aircraft and decided to return to the airfield after dumping it's fuel. The fuel dumping would have had to be done at a high altitude probably above 6,000 feet. Flight EK-407 then safely landed back at Melbourne where the aircraft will remain for repairs. The incident will be investigated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (http://www.atsb.gov.au).