A Virgin Australia flight from New Zealand has made an emergency landing last night in Invercargill, shortly after a fire reportedly shut down one of its engines.
Reports suggest the fire may have been sparked by a bird strike on the plane’s engine, an encounter which a New Zealand Aviation regulator website says occurs about four in every 10,000 aircraft movements.
The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, registration VH-YIV, departed Queenstown at approximately 6pm local time and landed at Invercargill around 6.50pm. There were 67 guests and six crew on board.
“Virgin Australia can now confirm that all passengers have disembarked VA148, which landed safely at New Zealand’s Invercargill Airport following a possible bird-strike after departing from Queenstown Airport,” Virgin Australia COO Stuart Aggs said.
“At this time, we are not aware of any physical injuries to guests or crew. Emergency services personnel are on the ground at Invercargill Airport.
“Our efforts are now focused on providing support for our guests and crew, as well as transporting and accommodating guests in Invercargill this evening and arranging for their earliest onward travel to Australia.
“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.”
