Bali-bound AirAsia flight returns to Perth shortly after take-off due to engine issue
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AirAsia flight QZ545, bound for Bali, returned to Perth Airport after crew members observed an abnormality in one of the engines.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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An AirAsia flight bound for Bali returned to Perth Airport shortly after take-off on Aug 24 as a precautionary measure after crew members found an issue in one of the engines.
AirAsia Flight QZ545 departed at about 6.30pm, reported Australian news outlet 9News. It circled near Rottnest Island, off the coast of western Australia, and burned fuel to make it a safe weight for landing before touching down at the airport.
The Airbus A320 was carrying 108 passengers and six crew members, AirAsia said in a statement published on its website on Aug 25.
9News reported that passengers saw flames coming out of an engine. The news outlet said a passenger sitting in the exit row reported seeing an explosion and flames, initially thinking it was lightning.
A video uploaded by 9News shows flashes of orange light illuminating one of the plane’s engines mid-flight.
“Shortly after take-off, the flight crew observed an abnormality in one of the engines, which was swiftly stabilised in accordance with standard operating procedures,” AirAsia said.
“After assessing the situation, the crew decided to conduct a turnback in line with operational safety and completed all required checklists before landing safely at Perth Airport.”
The aircraft landed safely at about 7.50pm local time. Passengers and crew members disembarked the aircraft without incident, said the airline.
AirAsia Indonesia’s chief executive Achmad Sadikin said the incident was a “precautionary turnback” and that the crew responded swiftly and in full accordance with established procedures.
The crew kept passengers informed throughout the situation and arrangements were made to support their needs at the airport, he added.
Alternative arrangements were made for all passengers to fly on Flight QZ547, which departed Perth at 3.29am on Aug 25 and arrived in Denpasar, Bali, at 7.26am local time, Captain Achmad said.
“Our team was focused on minimising the impact of the disruption to travellers, and we thank our guests sincerely for their patience and understanding.”
