Source : Perth Now news
A Qantas flight to Sydney was forced to divert to Christchurch shortly after takeoff from Queenstown, after witnesses on the ground reported seeing bursts of flame coming from one engine.
Flight QF122 had left Queenstown on Saturday afternoon when what appeared to be an engine problem unfolded in the air, with video from the ground showing intermittent flashes from the aircraft’s left engine along with loud bangs.
The plane later landed in Christchurch, where local reports indicated emergency crews were on standby when the aircraft arrived, but passengers were able to disembark without incident.
For people on the ground, the incident was impossible to miss.
Mark Venning told Stuff he was driving along Frankton Rd when he heard what he described as sharp popping noises, “like loud gunshots”.
“Looked up and saw orange flames being ejected from the left engine,” Mr Venning said.
Brothers Daniel and Campbell Longmire also watched the dramatic moments unfold from Frankton, where they were at home when the plane climbed out after takeoff.
“Its left engine start spitting out flames and then I got everyone to go look because I thought it was a one-off thing,” Campbell told Stuff.
“And then it was flying over and it did like maybe six or seven flame bursts and loud bangs.”
Daniel said the noise carried across the area, drawing startled neighbours outside.
“It was really loud, it really echoed around the valley,” he said.
A Qantas spokesperson said the aircraft encountered a problem soon after departure.
“QF122 Queenstown to Sydney experienced a suspected engine issue after takeoff from Queenstown this afternoon,” the spokesperson said.
