Daily London
An investigation is under way after a QantasLink flight experienced a mid-air incident that prompted an emergency landing in Adelaide.
The E190 aircraft, operating as QF1972, took off about 6.10am before the crew declared an emergency.
Senator Leah Blyth, a passenger on the flight, reported a concerning situation shortly after takeoff.
“On take off the cabin filled with some kind of white smoke. Smelt electrical,” Blyth said.
Another passenger, Amy, described the initial moments, saying, “I just assumed it was the breakfast burning but we started flying low over the ocean for about 20 minutes or so.”
Audio recordings captured the pilot’s communication with ground control, revealing the urgency of the situation.
“PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN. Q-LINK 1972. We’ve got smoke in the flight deck,” the pilot reported.
Ground control responded, “1972 if able you make a right turn and track to the field.”
As the pilot executed a U-turn to return to Adelaide Airport, other aircraft were affected.
A passenger on another plane recorded an announcement: “All stations, Adelaide ground, just to keep you up to date we have an aircraft with an emergency in the circuit area. There’ll be no further clearances given on ground until further advised.”
The plane landed safely and was towed away for inspection.
It is understood to be an electrical fire, although the investigations are ongoing.
Blyth commended the airline staff.
“Hats off to the Qantas staff. They stayed very very calm. The captain was keeping passengers informed the whole time,” Blyth said.
Passengers were placed on a replacement flight about two hours later, including three Liberal politicians en route to a party room meeting concerning climate change in Canberra.
