Air safety authorities have praised the quick and decisive actions of an airline crew following an engine failure during take-off. The incident occurred on Qantas flight QF520 departing from Sydney to Brisbane in November 2024. The crew detected a bang and shudder as the aircraft’s right engine failed, with 181 passengers on board.
Despite recognizing the engine failure through caution lights and indications, the crew proceeded with take-off as the aircraft had already passed the critical speed for aborting. Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell of the Air Transport Safety Bureau acknowledged the challenging timing of the engine failure and commended the crew for their emergency response and decision-making.
Passenger Mark Willacy described feeling the abnormal sensations during take-off and witnessed the aircraft struggling post-engine failure. The pilot promptly informed passengers about the issue and maneuvered the plane over Sydney for approximately 15 minutes before safely landing with only one engine operational.
The collaboration between the flight and cabin crew, ARFFS, and air traffic controllers was highlighted as instrumental in the successful return to Sydney. The engine failure was attributed to a fatigue crack and was set to be replaced shortly after the incident. CFM International, the manufacturer, reviewed its engine fleet and confirmed the overall reliability of the specific engine model despite previous instances of similar cracking.
Newer high-pressure turbine blade configurations have since been introduced to enhance safety standards. The incident underscored the importance of coordinated efforts and swift decision-making in ensuring the well-being of passengers and crew during emergencies.
