Virgin Australia Boeing 737 Catches Fire After Bird Strike
A Virgin Australia Boeing 737 experienced a terrifying incident shortly after takeoff from Queenstown, New Zealand, on June 17. The aircraft, bound for Melbourne, had one of its engines catch fire due to a bird strike.
Emergency Landing and Response
The incident occurred around 6 PM, with passengers and local residents witnessing flames and hearing loud noises. The plane was diverted to Invercargill Airport where it made a safe emergency landing. All 73 people on board, including 67 passengers and six crew members, disembarked safely.
Eyewitnesses, including Nick Lambert and Eliot Squires, described the event as unprecedented and shocking. Emergency services were on standby but fortunately did not need to intervene as the plane landed without further incident.
Virgin Australia’s Chief Operations Officer, Stuart Aggs, emphasized the airline's commitment to safety and thanked all involved for their quick response. Passengers were temporarily accommodated in Invercargill, and arrangements for their onward journey were made.
Bird Strikes: A Common Aviation Hazard
Bird strikes are a common occurrence in aviation, with aircraft statistically hitting a bird every 24 minutes. However, such incidents rarely result in significant damage or danger. The swift and professional response to this particular incident underscores the preparedness of aviation and emergency services.
- The dramatic moment of the engine fire was captured by a photographer, adding to the global visibility of the incident. Witnesses like Eliot Squires and Nick Lambert provided vivid descriptions of the event, highlighting the severity and unusual nature of the engine fire.
- In a related incident on April 11, 2024, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 experienced a severe altitude drop while approaching Lihué Airport, Hawaii. The plane narrowly avoided disaster, and the incident was attributed to an inexperienced first officer. This underscores the importance of experience and training in handling aircraft emergencies.
