Flight QF 1613: Qantas plane headed for Perth makes ‘emergency landing’ in Geraldton after technical issue
A Qantas plane headed for Perth was forced to make a ‘emergency landing’ in WA’s Mid West after a technical issue on Friday morning.
Flight QF 1613 left Geraldton just before 9am but had to turn back just 45 minutes after departure due to a “vibration” on the aircraft.
City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said the aircraft turned around due to an engine failure and landed safely at 10.30am.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“The Geraldton Airport activated its Emergency Plan with services on standby. Passengers were rebooked on tonight’s flight,” he said.
Passenger Loic Foison said the plane was “very near the ground” for about 20 minutes after dropping altitude.
“After 30 minutes, the captain just asked everyone to sit and (put their) seatbelt on, and crew members sat as well,” Foison said.
“After 10 minutes, he takes the mic again and he says ‘there is a vibration on the left side of the plane, so we have to go back to Geraldton for an emergency landing’.”
Foison said it was scary, but “everyone was really calm. No panic, but I was anxious”.
Mr Foison, who has been a FIFO worker for two years, said he flies with Qantas four times a month and one out of every two flights are delayed.
“Half of flights are late every time. And after five minutes of negotiation they give me one bottle of water, so it’s really bad. Really, really bad,” he said.
“Crew members are good, but the company not so good.”
A Qantas spokesperson confirmed a “minor technical issue” occurred but did not reveal any further details.
“Our flight returned to Geraldton due to a minor technical issue. Our pilots followed normal procedure and the aircraft landed safely,” the spokesperson said.
“All passengers are being accommodated on other flights today. We apologise for the inconvenience to customers and thank them for their understanding.”
The flight is now scheduled to depart at 6.10pm.
In October last year, another Qantas flight made an emergency landing at Geraldton Airport due to a mechanical issue, with some passengers reporting they texted loved ones because they thought they were going to die.
Originally published on PerthNow
