

Passenger plane’s propeller shears off in mid-flight, forcing emergency landing in Australia

Passengers and crew on a Regional Express aircraft flying from Albury in NSW have made a lucky escape after one of its propellers sheared off in mid-flight, narrowly avoiding hitting the wing and tail and forcing its Pilots to make an emergency landing at Sydney Airport.
The Saab 340, carrying 16 passengers and three crew, was about 10 nautical miles from Sydney Airport when its right-hand propeller flew off, leading the two pilots to declare a PAN, which is one step down from a full-scale Mayday.

Following the PAN call to air-traffic control, emergency services readied for the 34-seat plane’s arrival at the airport, but it landed safely shortly after midday on Friday.

Aviation watchers say it was “incredibly lucky” the propeller did not hit the wing, fuselage or the tail, which could have been catastrophic for the aircraft and those on board.
“They were a hair’s breadth away from a disaster. I don’t know how the hell it didn’t damage the aircraft as it went past,” Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association president Paul Cousin said.

“There would be no reason for [those pilots] to take a TattsLotto because [they] have have used all of their luck getting out of that situation.”

Mr Cousins said the pilots had demonstrated skill in overcoming the initial shock of the propeller disappearing before their eyes and then gliding the plane in safely to land at Sydney Airport.

Courtesy : The Sydney morning herald 


Share the post



Subscribe to Jetline Marvel

Get updates delivered right to your inbox!

Thank you for your subscription