Air safety authorities have praised an airline crew for their handling of an engine failure incident during take-off. The crew on board Qantas flight QF520 had just left Sydney for Brisbane in November 2024 when the right engine of the aircraft failed, causing a loud noise and vibration. Despite the engine failure warnings, the crew decided to continue the take-off as the aircraft had already reached a critical speed.
Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell of the Air Transport Safety Bureau described the engine failure as occurring during a crucial phase of the flight but commended the crew for their swift response. The crew declared an emergency, executed necessary checklists, and planned a safe return to Sydney.
Passenger Mark Willacy recalled feeling the abnormal sensation and noise during take-off, stating that the aircraft struggled afterward. The pilot informed passengers about the engine issue, and the plane circled over Sydney for about 15 minutes before successfully landing with only one functioning engine.
Following the incident, Mitchell lauded the coordinated efforts of the flight and cabin crew, ARFFS, and air traffic controllers in ensuring a secure return to Sydney for all onboard. The engine failure was attributed to a fatigue crack, and the affected engine was due for replacement soon after the incident. CFM International, the engine manufacturer, confirmed that the specific turbine blade configuration on the engine met reliability standards and regulations, with newer configurations introduced for enhanced safety.