Bono involved in mid-air drama on flight

U2 star Bono was involved in a mid-air drama on a flight from Dublin, Ireland, to Berlin, Germany, when the rear door of a private jet he was a passenger on fell off.

The 54-year-old rocker and four of his friends were on board the Learjet flight across Europe, en route to a meeting with Gerd Mueller, Germany's economic minister.

The jet was crossing into Germany when the tailgate became detached, reported Contactmusic.

'He was extremely lucky; the plane could have gone down. About an hour into the journey, they heard a big thud coming from the rear of the plane.

'They were startled for a bit but they continued on and made the

descent into Berlin airport. When they landed, they were horrified to learn that the compartment at the rear of the plane had completely detached,' a source said.

German authorities have confirmed the private jet landed with damage to its tailgate and police are investigating the incident.

The drama is sure to have left Bono, who lost his luggage when the tailgate became detached, more than a little wary as he prepares to fly to America later this week.

Representatives for U2 have yet to comment on the incident.

Reports suggest Bono was the only member of the group on board the flight to Berlin -- his bandmates were scheduled to take a later flight to join their frontman at the Bambi International Music Awards.

Photograph: Michael Buckner/Getty Images