KUALA LUMPUR – Another Boeing jetliner had to make an emergency landing due to an engine fire, affecting a Garuda Indonesia flight from Makassar to Saudi Arabia.
The 747-400 carrying 468 people returned to its takeoff point in Makassar and made an emergency landing yesterday, after sparks of fire were observed in one of the engines, AFP reported Garuda president director Irfan Setiaputra saying.
He said the turnaround decision was made by the pilot in command immediately after takeoff, and none of the 450 passengers and 18 crew were injured.
The flight was ferrying pilgrims who were due to perform their haj.
Irfan also said the plane was grounded for a safety inspection.
While Boeing has had its share of troubles, Indonesian air transport is also under scrutiny for its safety record.
One of its recent issues involves Indonesia’s Batik Air, which is facing a probe after two of its pilots on a Sulawesi-Jakarta flight fell asleep mid-air. – May 16, 2024