A Virgin Australia B737-800 aircraft was forced to perform an emergency landing after one of its engines caught fire due to a suspected bird strike.
The incident occurred on June 17, 2024.
Flight VA 148 departed Queenstown Airport (ZQN) in New Zealand, for Melbourne Airport (MEL) at approximately 17:48 local time.
Shortly after takeoff, flames were seen billowing out from one of the aircraft engines.
Video footage taken of the flight by residents watching the fiery incident unfold were shared on social media, including X (formerly Twitter).
The plane, carrying 67 passengers and six crew members, was forced to perform an emergency landing at Invercargill Airport (IVC), more than 180 kilometers south of Queenstown Airport
A spokesperson for Virgin Australia told AeroTime that the plane had landed safely at IVC Airport and the engine fire was due to a suspected bird strike.
The airline said that while emergency service personnel were on the ground at IVC Airport, it is currently not aware of any reported physical injuries to its guests or crew.
Passengers were provided with overnight accommodation in Invercargill and bus transport services were arranged back to Queenstown Airport where passengers took an afternoon flight onward to Melbourne Airport on June 18, 2024.
“We wish to express our appreciation for the support of Invercargill Airport, Emergency Services, local Air New Zealand team members and our crew onboard in helping to support tonight’s response effort,” the airline said.