Virgin flight from NZ to Melbourne diverted after engine caught on fire

A simple phenomenon is believed to be behind the terrifying flames which shot out of the engine of a Virgin flight to Melbourne. Watch video.

A Virgin Australia flight from Queenstown to Melbourne has made an emergency landing in southern New Zealand after a suspected bird strike caused flames to shoot from an engine.

Members of the public reported seeing the flames and hearing loud bangs shortly after take off from Queenstown Airport.

A witness who posted footage of the incident said: “Sounded like it was coming apart over our house. One engine was throwing flames and sputtering out”.

The Boeing 737-800, which had 67 passengers and six crew on board, landed safely in Invercargill about 6.50pm (local time), almost 200km away from Queenstown.

A Virgin flight from Queenstown to Melbourne has been diverted after flames were seen shooting from an engine. Picture: Supplied

“A plane just passed our house with terrible sound and fire. Please pray for the plane and people inside, their safety,“ a Queenstown local posted online.

Virgin Australia chief operations officer Stuart Aggs said all passengers had disembarked VA148 after it landed safely at Invercargill Airport following “a possible bird-strike after departing from Queenstown Airport”.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Originally published as Virgin flight from NZ to Melbourne diverted after engine caught on fire