Virgin flight from Queenstown to Melbourne forced into emergency landing after engine catches fire

Virgin has revealed the “possible cause” a flight to Melbourne was forced into an emergency landing after flames were seen coming out of one of its engines.

A Virgin Australia flight to Melbourne was forced to make an emergency landing in southern New Zealand after flames were seen coming out of one of its engines on Monday.

Shortly after takeoff from Queenstown Airport, around 5.50pm local time, members of the public reported witnessing flames and hearing loud bangs.

One witness who shared footage of the incident said the plane was “sputtering out” as it departed.

“It sounded like it was coming apart over our house. One engine was throwing flames and sputtering out,” they said.

The plane safely landed in Invercargill, nearly 200km away from Queenstown.

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

The plane safely landed in Invercargill, nearly 200km away from Queenstown.

“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.

A Virgin spokesperson said the flames were caused by “a possible bird-strike after departing from Queenstown Airport”.

“Virgin Australia flight VA148 from Queenstown to Melbourne diverted to Invercargill Airport and landed safely following a possible bird strike on takeoff this evening,” Virgin Australia chief operations officer Stuart Aggs said in a statement.

“The aircraft has been met by emergency services at Invercargill Airport. The safety of our guests and crew is our highest priority.”

The rate of birds striking planes at New Zealand’s airports is about four in every 10,000 aircraft movements, the country’s aviation regulator states on its website.

The consequences vary in severity depending on where the aircraft is hit, the size of the birds and the pilot’s reaction, the Civil Aviation Authority says, according to the ABC.

Virgin Airlines VA148 is believed to have 73 people on board, including cabin crew.

“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,” Mr Aggs 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 on-board in helping to support tonight’s response effort.”

Flight data showed the plane looping around and landing in Invercargill.

It comes after another airline emergency occurred over New Zealand earlier this year.

In March, Chilean Latam Airlines LA800 flight was travelling from Sydney to Auckland when it experienced a sudden drop in altitude due to a “strong shake” of turbulence during the flight.

The flight landed about 4pm NZ time, with Hato Hone St John paramedics rushing to the runway to assist.

About 50 patients were assessed by paramedics with one patient in a serious condition who was taken to Middlemore Hospital.

Twelve patients were transported to hospital including two in a “moderate” condition.

They said ten passengers - four of which were Australian - were taken to a medical centre for assessment with one passenger and one crew member requiring additional treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

The flight travelled about 650kms east of the harbour city out over the Tasman Sea, before the pilot was forced to make an about-turn.

The Boeing 777-300 landed safely about 2.30pm, and was met by firefighters on the tarmac.