Vic: Plane makes forced landing at Melbourne airport

AAP General News (Australia)
08-25-2004
Vic: Plane makes forced landing at Melbourne airport

Singapore Airlines has blamed a surge in an engine for an emergency landing of one
of its flights at Melbourne Airport overnight.

A Boeing 777-300 passenger jet with 278 passengers and 21 crew members on board dumped
fuel in Port Phillip Bay and returned to Melbourne about 1.45am (AEST) after passengers
saw sparks fly from the left engine.

The plane, which had left Melbourne for Singapore shortly before 1am, landed safely,
with no injuries reported.

Singapore Airlines spokesman SAMANTHA STEWART says while the plane could have flown
on one engine, airline procedures required the pilot to land at the first opportunity.

She says passengers have been transferred to their homes or to hotels and will be accommodated
until they can travel again.

The aircraft, powered by twin Rolls Royce Trent engines, won't return to service until
the engine is repaired or replaced.

AAP RTV jrd/gfr/dl/lm

KEYWORD: PLANE (MELBOURNE)

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