Tullamarine flights suspended after Vietnam Airlines jet fire on runway

A PASSENGER has told of the frightening moment he spotted flames billowing from the Vietnam Airplanes plane he was on, as it taxied at Melbourne Airport.

The stricken plane after its return to the terminal. Picture: Hac Ho.

A PASSENGER has told of his horror at seeing flames shoot from a Vietnam Airlines plane during takeoff at Melbourne airport.

Flight VN780, bound for Ho Chi Minh City, was aborted at 10.50am today after suffering an “engineering malfunction’’, stranding passengers overnight and disrupting other flights.

The plane was preparing to take off when the pilot noticed sparks fly from the engine, Melbourne airport said.

Passenger Bill Ho, who was seated near the wing, said he shouted out to crew when he spotted flames through his window.

“I shouted out ‘There are flames coming out of the engine’,’’ he said.

The stricken plane after its return to the terminal. Picture: Hac Ho.

“We are very lucky the pilot realised. He hit the brakes real hard and we heard a big bang — it sounded like a tyre had blown up. There was smoke everywhere.’’

He said passengers were stuck for two hours before being allowed to disembark, and were told to call the airline after 3pm to rebook.

“I was quite shocked ... I will be a bit nervous flying now,’’ Mr Ho said.

“But we were lucky we were not in the air when it happened.’’

Debris littered the runway, causing spotfires, but no one was injured, airport spokesman Anna Gillett said.

Flights resumed after 40 minutes once the jet was towed from the runway and debris cleared.

“There was a flame that occurred from the engine. That is when the pilot discovered something was not right,’’ Ms Gillett said.

“Some debris fell out of the plane, causing spotfires ... but the plane was not ablaze.’’

Four international flights were delayed and eight flights diverted to cities including Adelaide.

Vietnam Airlines said there were no more flights to Ho Chi Minh City today and passengers would be accommodated overnight as necessary.

Transport costs would be reimbursed for local residents returning home, the airline said.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said it was awaiting more information from Vietnam Airlines before deciding whether to investigate.

Flights have now resumed @Melair

— Melbourne Airport (@Melair) May 6, 2014