B737 makes emergency landing after engine fire sparked by possible bird strike

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).

#BREAKING #AUSTRALIA #NewZEALAND #Aviation #Aviacion #Boeing737 #Accident #Accidente 🔴 NEW ZEALAND :📹 EMERGENCY LANDING IN NZ AFTER ENGINE FIRE A Virgin AUSTRALIA Boeing 737-800 bound for MELBOURNE made an emergency landing in Invercargill, NZ due to an engine fire,… pic.twitter.com/KQjhWnWZwK— LW World News 🌍 (@LoveWorld_Peopl) June 17, 2024The 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 Virgin Australia plane has landed safely in New Zealand after a fire shut down one of its engines. Boeing 737-800 jet was bound for Melbourne, with 67 passengers and six crew members on board, when the engine fire forced a diversion to Invercargill Airport. #VirginAustralia pic.twitter.com/MKCkhdsQ0m— Aviation Voice (@Aviation_Voice) June 17, 2024A 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.

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The post B737 makes emergency landing after engine fire sparked by possible bird strike appeared first on AeroTime.

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