iscover
An air traffic controller alerted a Qantas pilot to a possible engine fire prior to takeoff on Sunday, after a witness reported seeing “some kind of flame” coming from one of its engines.
Qantas flight QF91 from Sydney to Noumea was taxiing towards its runway at around 7:40am on Sunday, when air traffic control informed the pilot of the possible engine issue.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
“Qantas 91 just be advised the car behind you reports some kind of flame coming from the right engine,” the air traffic controller said, to which the pilot replied, “hope not.”
The air traffic controller responded, “Qantas 91 affirmative, it’s flames,” causing the flight crew to declare a pan-pan emergency and request the aid of the fire brigade. The aircraft stopped on the taxiway and killed power to its engines.
The Qantas Boeing 737 was then escorted back to the gate, and passengers were re-accommodated on a later flight.
According to a Qantas spokesperson, there was no indication inside the cockpit that anything was amiss with either of the plane’s engines, leading the airline to believe that the reports of smoke were merely a false alarm.
“The pilots followed procedure and shut down the engine as a precaution after being alerted by the control tower while taxiing,” a Qantas spokesperson said. “There was no warning light in the cockpit and no sign of fire when the engine was shut down.
“Engineers have inspected the aircraft and cleared it to return to service.”
“We thank passengers for their patience and understanding,” they added.
