WELLINGTON, New Zealand — A passenger plane landed safely at a New Zealand airport on Monday after a fire shut down one of its engines, the nation’s fire service said.
The Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800 jet bound for Melbourne, Australia, landed in the New Zealand city of Invercargill after the fire forced a diversion.
Fire trucks met the plane as it arrived in Invercargill about 50 minutes after takeoff from Queenstown, said Lynn Crosson, shift supervisor for Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
The cause of the engine fire and the number of passengers on board the plane were not immediately known, Queenstown Airport spokesperson Catherine Nind said.
Virgin Australia said in an emailed statement that the incident may have involved “a possible bird strike.”
Queenstown, with a population of 53,000, is popular tourist destination on New Zealand’s South Island, famous for skiing, adventure tourism and alpine vistas.
The rate of birds striking planes at New Zealand’s airports is about four in every 10,000 aircraft movements, the country’s aviation regulator says on its website. The consequences vary in severity depending on where the aircraft is hit, the size of the birds and the pilot’s reaction, the agency says.
A passenger plane successfully landed in New Zealand after experiencing an engine shutdown due to a fire, causing panic among passengers and crew members. The incident occurred on a flight from Sydney, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand, with over 200 passengers on board.
The pilot of the aircraft quickly declared an emergency and initiated emergency procedures after one of the engines caught fire mid-flight. Passengers reported seeing flames and smoke coming from the engine, causing fear and anxiety among those on board. The crew acted swiftly to contain the situation and ensure the safety of everyone on the plane.
Despite the terrifying ordeal, the pilot managed to safely land the plane at Auckland Airport, where emergency services were waiting to assist with the situation. Passengers were evacuated from the aircraft and taken to a secure area while authorities investigated the cause of the engine fire.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported among passengers or crew members, thanks to the quick thinking and professionalism of the pilot and crew. The airline has since released a statement expressing gratitude for the calm response of everyone involved and confirming that they are cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of the engine fire.
Incidents like these serve as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and procedures in aviation. The successful landing of the plane in New Zealand is a testament to the training and expertise of pilots and crew members, who are trained to handle emergencies and ensure the safety of passengers in all situations.
Passengers on board the flight have praised the pilot and crew for their quick response and professionalism during the emergency. Many have expressed gratitude for the safe landing and are relieved that everyone on board is safe and unharmed.
As investigations into the cause of the engine fire continue, authorities are working to ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future. Airlines are also reviewing their safety protocols and procedures to ensure that passengers can continue to travel safely and confidently.
Overall, the successful landing of the passenger plane in New Zealand following an engine shutdown due to a fire is a testament to the skill and expertise of aviation professionals. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in air travel and the dedication of pilots and crew members to ensuring the well-being of passengers in all situations.
