After Flybe found problems with undercarriage fittings on its Bombardier Q400s, Qantas followed suit today and grounded 5 of its oldest Bombardiers on finding fittings issues.
It is projected that two QantasLink Bombardiers will be back in service this weekend, with four weeks allocated for completed repairs and return to service.
Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Chris P Denton
What: Qantas Boeing 747-400 en route from San Francisco to Sydney
Where: San Francisco
When: Aug 31 2010, 12:45 a.m.
Who: 212 passengers, 19 crew
Why: After takeoff, the right engine failed (exploded), and disrupted the outer engine cowling. Observers reported “a thud, shower of sparks, and engine fire.”
On board, the pilot announced that the captain announced that an engine blew up. The crew shut down the afflicted engine, dumped fuel over the Pacific and returned to San Francisco where it made a safe landing. Inside while landing, passengers cheered.
Passengers were provided hotel accommodations. There were no injuries. Experts have noted the rarity of this type of engine explosion, and also mention how lucky passengers are it occurred facing “out” – although the engine is built to contain exploding particles.
* The 747 has 4 engines.
What: Bombardier Inc BD-700-1A10 en route from San Jose Cabo-Los Cabos Airport Mexico to Vancouver International * (The plane was also identified as a Cessna Citation)
Where: Vancouver International Airport
When: Jan 4 2009
Who: 5
Why: The pilot reported problems with the landing gear. The plane was substantially damaged on landing; fortunately the passengers were not.
Qantas flight QF-718 encountered severe turbulence near Canberra, Australia, on March 13th.
The Boeing 737-800 plane flying from Perth was descending toward Canberra when it hit turbulence that injured two flight attendants.
The plane continued for a safe landing. The injured crew members were taken to a hospital.
What: QANTAS Dash-8
Where: Moranbah Airport
When: Feb 9 2012, 12:30 pm
Who: 3 crew, no passengers
Why: While ferrying the plane, the crew made an emergency landing at Moranbah Airport after circling.
They reported smoke in the cockpit, but on landing, no fire was found. Queensland Fire and rescue crews stood on standby during the landing. The ATSB is investigating.
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Contact photographer
What: Qantas Boeing 767-300 en route from Darwin to Brisbane
Where: Mount Isa
When: Jan 29th 2012
Who: 170 passengers
Why: While en route to Brisbane, a smokey odor developed in the cockpit. Pilots diverted to Mont Isa where they made a safe landing. Two Queensland Fire and Rescue Service firetrucks met the grounded plane. The investigation revealed no sign of smoke.
The 767 does not normally land in Mount Isa, so stairs were unavailable. Passengers exited with the assistance of a wheel chair lift.
A 737 has been sent as a replacement flight.
Pictured: A Qantas Flight
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Contact photographer Sneeze Lam
What: Qantas Boeing 737-800 en route from Adelaide to Perth.
Where: en route
When: October 30, 2009
Who: 110 passengers
Why: When the captain of the Quantas flight fell ill, the co-pilot called an ambulance in to wait for their arrival. The pilot was too sick to fly the plane, but the co-pilot was able to land solo.
