This was published 12 years ago
'Pulses of flames with a repeated bang': Sydney-bound Qantas flight turns back
By Stephanie Gardiner
A passenger on a Qantas flight forced to turn back to Bangkok airport with engine problems says he saw "pulses of flames" and heard repeated bangs.
David Grant was on QF2, which was on the Bangkok to Sydney leg of a trip from London, and said the Boeing 747 began to have engine trouble about 10 minutes after take-off.
Were you on the plane? Message 0424 SMS SMH (+61 424 767 764) or email us with information or images.
"I can say that I saw that there were pulses of flames as the number 3 [inner starboard] engine vibrated forcefully in its housing, with a repeating bang that occurred a number of times," Mr Grant said in an email.
"After the engine had been shut down, a few white sparks could be seen flowing from the exhaust of the engine under the wing."
Mr Grant said the plane dumped fuel for less than an hour before it returned to Bangkok airport.
Most of the passengers were relaxed as the captain kept us all well informed
He praised the staff onboard, saying they kept passengers informed of what was going on and quickly provided everyone with accommodation.
"The staff were quick to react, extremely helpful and should be commended for their skills in comforting the passengers," Mr Grant said.
"There was as least one passenger near me that was visibly distressed and Qantas cabin crew did all they could to comfort her.
"Most of the passengers were relaxed as the captain kept us all well informed."
Mr Grant said the pilot and the second officer spoke to passengers as everyone got off the plane and many were praising their efforts.
A Qantas spokesman said the pilot turned off one of the four engines as a safety precaution and the plane, carrying 356 passengers, landed safely back at Bangkok airport at 10.47pm (AEDT).
No emergency landing was required and all passengers were being accommodated on other services, the spokesman said.
It comes as an estimated 60,000 Qantas passengers have been affected by a series of rolling strikes by engineers and ground crews.
The airline last week has cancelled 400 domestic flights over the next month, blaming the disruptions on engineers’ strikes.
- with AAP
Sign up for the Traveller newsletter
The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.