Sunday, September 18, 2011

Air New Zealand plane lands safely after engine flames

An eyewitness has described hearing a loud bang and seeing flames leaping from the engine of an Air New Zealand jet, as it made its final approach into Auckland International Airport last night.

The 747 was about 800m in the air, on final approach, when Manukau resident Kevin Ward heard a loud bang overhead, while outside his property - and immediately looked up.

"I saw what I thought was an emergency beacon - but then realised it was flames coming out of the outer starboard engine."

Air New Zealand confirmed flight NZ118, from Sydney to Auckland, experienced a "power surge" in one of the 747's four engines - shortly before landing, around 8:40pm. As per standard procedure the engine was shut down, the airline said in a statement.

"No local standby was required and the aircraft landed without incident.”

The aircraft is now being inspected by engineers.

Inside the cabin, there was an unusual bang followed by a repetitive thumping noise; which lasted around 15 seconds.

Nobody seemed too panicked; however some people were looking around a little bewildered.

Once the plane had landed, the pilot explained briefly the aircraft had suffered a technical problem, but had landed safely.

A flight attendant onboard said it was a rare occurrence.

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