Pilot asks passengers to pray for safe landing
The Malaysian transport ministry has ordered budget carrier AirAsia to liaise with manufacturer Airbus over a ‘technical issue’ which had a planeload of passengers and pilot fearing for their safety.
About one hour in to the Kuala Lumpur-bound flight from Perth, the AirAsia X Airbus A330 began ‘shaking like a washing machine’ one passenger said, with the pilot asking passengers to pray for a safe landing.
"I hope you all say a prayer. I’ll be saying a prayer too and let’s hope we all get back home safely’" the pilot said, as the plane was turned round.
"Please listen to everything. Our survival depends on your cooperating. Hopefully everything will turn out for the best," he added.
Just prior to this a loud bang was heard, and it caused an ‘engine seizure’ according to some passengers.
The problem was serious enough for marine emergency services to be alerted for a possible landing on water off the coast of Perth.
"I could tell by the cabin crew’s reaction that it was really bad. It was terrifying," passenger Sophie Nicolas told ABC News.
The cabin continued to shake until it reached Perth and landed without incident.
AirAsia has not disclosed the reason behind the problem, although it is thought one engine lost a turbine blade mid-flight.
"Passengers were attended to by our ground staff upon landing and all necessary assistance is being provided," said AirAsia.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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