A Qantas flight bound for Brisbane was forced to return to Sydney after suffering an engine failure, which caused a grass fire that shut one of the airport's runways. QF520, a Boeing 737 carrying about 170 passengers, departed Sydney at 12.35pm but turned back four minutes later after a loud bang and severe shuddering. The aircraft circled before making an emergency landing shortly after 1pm.
ABC reporter Mark Willacy, who was on board, described a 'large bang' and a 'jolting shudder' during take-off. He said the plane struggled to gain altitude, and it was clear to everyone that something was badly wrong. The pilots informed passengers after 10 to 15 minutes that the right engine had been shut down and the situation was under control.
Qantas chief pilot Captain Richard Tobiano confirmed a suspected engine failure and said the aircraft landed safely after appropriate procedures. He acknowledged the distressing experience for passengers and said support would be provided. No injuries were reported, and passengers were rebooked on alternative services.
The grass fire adjacent to the runway was extinguished by Airservices Australia fire crews. A 47-minute ground stop was enacted to allow the plane to land. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has launched an investigation. The Australian and International Pilots Association praised the crew's professionalism, noting that engine failures are extremely rare but pilots are well trained to handle them.
