CHRISTCHURCH— A Qantas (QF) flight from Queenstown Airport (ZQN) to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) was forced to divert to Christchurch after a suspected engine problem developed shortly after takeoff on Saturday afternoon.
Qantas flight QF122 was operating the international route when people on the ground reported seeing repeated flashes and bursts of flame from the aircraft’s left engine. Witnesses also described several loud bangs that echoed across the Queenstown area as the Boeing 737-800 climbed away from the airport.
Qantas Flight Emergency Landing
The aircraft was redirected to Christchurch Airport after the suspected engine issue emerged. It landed safely, with emergency crews positioned at the airport as a precaution before passengers were able to leave the aircraft without reported injuries.
Qantas confirmed that the aircraft experienced a “suspected engine issue” after departing Queenstown.
The airline said its pilots were highly trained to handle such situations and successfully brought the aircraft to Christchurch, Yahoo News reported.
The diversion prevented the aircraft from continuing its scheduled journey across the Tasman Sea to Sydney.
Flight information identifies QF122 as a Boeing 737-800 service between Queenstown and Sydney, with the route normally taking around three hours and 25 minutes.
Witnesses See Flames
The incident attracted immediate attention from people around Queenstown after visible flashes appeared from the aircraft’s left engine.
Local resident Mark Venning told Stuff that he heard sharp popping sounds while driving along Frankton Road before looking up and seeing orange flames coming from the engine.
Brothers Daniel and Campbell Longmire also reported seeing several bursts of flame after the aircraft passed over their home.
Campbell said the engine appeared to produce roughly six or seven bursts accompanied by loud bangs. Daniel described the noise as unusually loud, saying it echoed across the valley and prompted neighbors to look outside.
Video footage from the ground also showed intermittent flashes from the aircraft as it departed the Queenstown area. The available reports have not established the precise technical cause of the engine problem.
Qantas’ Passengers Reaccommodated
Qantas said it recognized that the incident would have been distressing for passengers and would contact customers to provide support.
The airline also said affected passengers would receive accommodation and be reaccommodated on alternative flights.
The safe landing allowed passengers to disembark in Christchurch while the aircraft remained subject to further assessment.
Qantas has not publicly identified the specific mechanical failure responsible for the incident. The available information currently describes the event as a suspected engine issue rather than confirming an engine fire or another specific failure.
The aircraft’s diversion also demonstrates why crews may choose to land at another airport when an abnormal engine indication occurs shortly after departure, particularly before a flight crosses a large body of water.
Qantas said its pilots managed the situation and landed the aircraft safely in Christchurch.
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