Just a few minutes after takeoff from Sydney, it sounded like we hit something and the plane swerved. Looking out the window, I saw a trail of sparks like a volcano erupting coming out of the third engine. My stomach dropped, but I remained calm and thought, it’s good that Robert just talked to his dad. And in the same instant thought, I wish the timing was better to talk to Mom and Dad. Immediately, Robert said: “The engine has blown. We will need to turn around.”
And a few minutes later, the captain came on and announced just that. Then Robert said: “We are too heavy to land, we will need to dump fuel.” Then that announcement was made. It’s good to travel with a pilot husband.
After that, I became scared, realizing that this was a not a good situation, but that we were still flying at least. And I somehow remained calm, happy to be with Robert. The Qantas flight crew did a great job of handling the situation as well.
The stream of fuel coming out was large and we jettisoned for a good 20 minutes or more. When we at last touched ground in Sydney, fire trucks were waiting for us. And the passengers all applauded. We made it. Now we are about to resume our flight just four hours later.
Check out: Robert’s photos.
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Please guys, come back here. No more adventures, ok? Pleeaase
OH! Goodness. Glad you are okay.
Wow, Sandy — that’s SO scary! Glad you were traveling with your Rob.
On the list of Worst Nightmares ever…Do you think Robert would be willing to travel with me every time I have to get on a plane:) I need to be talked through garden variety turbulence! I certainly hope you were able to break into your duty-free Tequila..Come home, be still, we’ll feed you:)
Hey Sandy, remember when Rob was packing his carryon bag, he especially made sure he had his pilot’s licence handy — just in case of an emergency. Spooky!!!!
Hope you guys don’t have any more issues. Travel safely.
you definitely had your time of air-action, hopefully for life now. Get back here spring is here 🙂
Momma mia!!!! Just let us know when you’re home!!
Thanks Bryn, Debora, Kylie, Roger and Maria. We are safely back in Stockholm now. It was such a surreal experience and I truly did stay calm, thanks in no so small part to Robert’s plane knowledge. It was great to have him there.
Actually, most people on the plane did a good job of staying calm, although I saw one poor nervous woman across from me have to use her air sickness bag. When we got back to Sydney, everyone was abuzz talking about it and admitted that they were scared. Hence the applause when we touched down in Singapore to refuel and then later when we landed in Frankfurt.
This must be your flight! How incredibly scary!
http://www.aftonbladet.se/webbtv/nyheter/utrikes/article6880956.ab
Hi Sharon,
Wow, this is a bad week for Qantas.
This happened the day after me, on the way from Singapore.
Here is my plane:
<a href="http://http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/qantas-flight-forced-to-dump-fuel-land-after-witness-claims-flames-came-from-engine/story-e6frfq80-e
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