A technical issue on a Qantas flight from Melbourne to Perth prompted pilots to shut down one engine mid-flight on Monday night. The Airbus 330-200, identified as flight QF781, experienced the engine problem as it approached Perth, according to an airline spokeswoman. The pilots followed protocol by manually turning off the engine and requesting a priority landing in Perth, where the aircraft landed safely and passengers deplaned without incident.
Qantas assured that its planes are designed to operate safely with only one engine operational. However, the incident caused alarm among passengers, with one individual describing hearing a loud noise and feeling a tremor on the left side of the plane. Following the incident, Qantas engineers are conducting a thorough review of the aircraft.
In related aviation news, the CEO of Boeing has announced plans to step down. Additionally, a plane in Atlanta experienced a rubber leak just prior to takeoff, and a criminal investigation has been initiated into an incident on an Alaska Airlines flight.