Flames from engine

Boeing 737 forced to make an emergency landing in New Zealand

(Bild: YouTube.com (Screenshot))

Following reports from passengers of flames repeatedly bursting from an engine (see video above), a passenger jet on its way to Melbourne made an unscheduled landing in New Zealand on Monday.

All 73 passengers on board the plane are safe and well and the incident is being investigated, the New Zealand Herald newspaper quoted a statement from the airline Virgin Australia. The possible cause could have been a bird strike, which is how airlines describe incidents in which birds get into an engine.

Flames burst from the engine
The plane had taken off from Queenstown Airport in New Zealand. Eyewitnesses reported flames coming out of the right engine and loud banging noises. A corresponding video filmed from the ground caused a stir in the local media.

The footage taken by a passenger shows flames coming out of the right engine of the Boeing 737.(Bild: YouTube.com (Screenshot))

According to the reports, the aircraft was a Boeing 737 and was diverted to Invercargill Airport in New Zealand, where it was met by emergency services. According to the media, no flames were visible at this point.

Numerous mishaps with Boeing aircraft
The incident follows numerous other mishaps involving Boeing aircraft. The company has been in a permanent crisis since the crashes of two 737 Max jets with a total of 346 fatalities more than five years ago.