An Air New Zealand flight turned back to land at departing airport after pilots believed the aircraft hit something on takeoff, on April 19, 2019.
The ATR 72-600, registered ZK-MVI, and operated by Air New Zealand Link, was operating regional flight NZ5759 from Christchurch (CHC) to Dunedin (DUD) when the pilots felt like the main landing gear had “made contact with an object on departure”. According to Flightradar24 data, the plane turned back 28 minutes into the flight.
“The aircraft made a normal landing at 8 pm and will be inspected by engineers,” Air New Zealand spokesperson told New Zealand Herald. Passengers should be provided with a replacement flight on the following morning.