Engine failure on plane carrying our national rugby team
The Springbok rugby team’s flight to Australia was forced to return shortly after departing from Johannesburg on Friday night due to engine failure.
“The Qantas flight on which the team was travelling was forced to return to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg less than two hours after take-off,” the SA Rugby Union said in a statement.
Saru said the third engine on the Boeing 747 overheated, but it returned and landed safely in Johannesburg. The team would remain in Johannesburg overnight.
“Wow, just had to do an emergency landing at OR Tambo,” Bok captain John Smit posted on social networking site Twitter.
“We lost an engine after takeoff but safely landed now! My second safe emergency landing!”
The Springboks play Australia in their opening match of the Tri-Nations in Sydney next weekend, before they travel to Wellington for the second and final match of their away leg against New Zealand.
Qantas Airways spokeswoman Olivia Wirth said one of the engines on the plane experienced an increase in vibration and temperature.
“In line with procedures, the pilots shut down the engine, and as a safety precaution returned to Johannesburg,” Wirth said.
“The aircraft had a normal landing not long afterwards and the passengers disembarked. The aircraft has four engines and can safely fly on three engines.
“We are currently looking at options to get the aircraft back in the air as soon as possible.”
The aircraft was carrying 355 passengers.
They have been provided with accommodation and meals, Wirth said.
Springboks' plane makes emergency landing
Engine failure on plane carrying our national rugby team
The Springbok rugby team’s flight to Australia was forced to return shortly after departing from Johannesburg on Friday night due to engine failure.
“The Qantas flight on which the team was travelling was forced to return to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg less than two hours after take-off,” the SA Rugby Union said in a statement.
Saru said the third engine on the Boeing 747 overheated, but it returned and landed safely in Johannesburg. The team would remain in Johannesburg overnight.
“Wow, just had to do an emergency landing at OR Tambo,” Bok captain John Smit posted on social networking site Twitter.
“We lost an engine after takeoff but safely landed now! My second safe emergency landing!”
The Springboks play Australia in their opening match of the Tri-Nations in Sydney next weekend, before they travel to Wellington for the second and final match of their away leg against New Zealand.
Qantas Airways spokeswoman Olivia Wirth said one of the engines on the plane experienced an increase in vibration and temperature.
“In line with procedures, the pilots shut down the engine, and as a safety precaution returned to Johannesburg,” Wirth said.
“The aircraft had a normal landing not long afterwards and the passengers disembarked. The aircraft has four engines and can safely fly on three engines.
“We are currently looking at options to get the aircraft back in the air as soon as possible.”
The aircraft was carrying 355 passengers.
They have been provided with accommodation and meals, Wirth said.
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