ⓒ Radio New Zealand
An Air New Zealand flight from Wellington to Sydney experienced engine trouble and made an emergency landing in Auckland on Sunday.
A passenger, Ruth Ann Herd, described a sudden and rapid descent during the flight. She recounted how the inflight entertainment system malfunctioned just before the plane began its unexpected drop. From her window seat, she could see the ocean getting alarmingly close, followed by a sharp turn in the aircraft’s trajectory.
Other passengers reported hearing a grinding noise emanating from one of the engines, and some even claimed to have seen debris or smoke trailing from the aircraft. While initially kept in the dark about the situation, Herd said the lack of immediate information prevented widespread panic amongst the passengers. The airline later provided overnight accommodations at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland.
Air New Zealand confirmed that one engine was shut down as a precautionary measure, resulting in the diversion to Auckland. The aircraft landed safely shortly after 5:20 pm. The airline assured the public that a full investigation into the incident was underway, emphasizing their top priority: the safety of their passengers and crew.
The incident serves as a reminder of the potential challenges faced in air travel and the importance of stringent safety protocols.
