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Qantas pilots praised after engine fails during Melbourne-Perth flight

Passengers on a Qantas flight from Melbourne to Perth were given a scare when pilots were forced to turn off one of the plane’s engines after a loud bang was heard.

Passengers on a Qantas flight from Melbourne to Perth were given a scare when pilots were forced to turn off one of the plane’s engines after a loud bang was heard.

The flight, QF781, was approaching Perth Airport when it experienced an issue with one of its engines.

According to a Qantas spokesperson, the aircraft, an Airbus A330-200, landed safely and without further incident in Perth.

“The pilots followed the procedures for this type of incident and manually shut down the engine and requested a priority landing,” they said. 

“These aircraft are designed to safely operate with one engine. 

“We know this would have been unsettling for customers on board and we thank them for their cooperation and understanding.” 

A Qantas A330-200 taking off from Sydney Airport
A Qantas A330-200 taking off from Sydney Airport

While emergency services met the aircraft on arrival, as is standard for priority landings, the incident was not classified as an emergency landing. Qantas engineers will inspect the aircraft. 

The Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) were full of praise for the pilots.

“These types of incidents are extremely rare but Qantas pilots are very well prepared to manage them safely,” AIPA President Tony Lucas said.

“The safety of our passengers, crew and cargo is always the priority for any pilot and we rigorously train for these unlikely scenarios. 

“The QF781 crew displayed great professionalism, skill and expertise in delivering a safe outcome for everyone.  

“This incident demonstrates that having two well-rested and well-trained pilots on the flight deck is the best safety feature available to aviation.”

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One of the passengers, Darrell Weekes, said there was a loud bang and shudder from the left side of the aircraft.

“All of a sudden, cabin crew were scurrying around and opening up curtains and making preparations for landing without the captain coming on the airwaves,” he told ABC Radio Sydney.

The captain then apparently informed passengers that one of the engines had failed.

“It’s very unsettling to have a large bang and know that you’re only flying on one engine,” Weekes said, adding he had not experienced a similar incident in 16 years of flying from Melbourne for FIFO work.

Qantas is considered one of the world’s safest airlines. Earlier this year, the flying kangaroo was named the second safest carrier in the world by aviation website AirlineRatings.com.

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