Full Breakdown
Engine Flames Prompt Emergency Diversion of Qantas Flight QF122
9/6/2026, 10:20:36 PM
Core Event
On Saturday, September 5, 2026, Qantas flight QF122 departed Queenstown Airport for Sydney. Minutes after take-off, flames were observed from the left engine. The crew diverted to Christchurch Airport, where the Boeing 737-800 landed safely after a 52-minute flight. No injuries were reported and passengers were re-accommodated on alternate services.
Background & Context
The aircraft, registration VH-VZQ, is a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800. Queenstown’s short runway and steep terrain make departures demanding, limiting diversion options and increasing the challenge of an engine anomaly on climb-out.
Data & Statistics
- Approximate passenger load: 160 people.
- Flight time to Christchurch: 52 minutes, touching down shortly before 5 p.m. local time.
- Engine type: two CFM 56-7B26 turbofans, both reported as operating throughout the flight.
On-the-Ground Reports
Passengers described repeated bangs and visible fire. Jayne Loch said, “I was sitting on the left-hand side of the plane, and the flames were very, very visible.” Kriti Sethi added, “And then the people were screaming; people were like, ‘Oh my God.’ It was quite scary.” Ground witness Mark Venning reported, “Looked up and saw orange flames being ejected from the left engine.” Liam Aspinall observed, “I noticed flames appearing to come off the thing as it was approaching us from afar.” Emergency services were already positioned on the Christchurch tarmac, and many applauded the safe arrival.
Official Statements & Responses
The airline pledged to contact all affected customers, provide accommodation, and arrange alternative flights. Engineers were dispatched to Christchurch to inspect the left engine, and the aircraft remained grounded pending clearance.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the cause. Simpleflying attributed the flames to a bird strike, while aviation consultant Neil Hansford suggested a possible engine-blade detachment that ignited fuel. ABC mentioned a “chemical failure” reported by the captain. No definitive cause has been released, and the investigation remains ongoing. Departure-time reports also vary: Simpleflying recorded a 4:05 p.m. take-off, ABC noted a departure just before 3:30 p.m., and Streamlinefeed cited a 3:25 p.m. departure. All accounts agree the aircraft diverted to Christchurch and landed safely.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was sitting on the left-hand side of the plane, and the flames were very, very visible,” — Jayne Loch
- “And then the people were screaming; people were like, 'Oh my God.' It was quite scary.” — Kriti Sethi
- “Looked up and saw orange flames being ejected from the left engine,” — Mark Venning
- “I noticed flames appearing to come off the thing as it was approaching us from afar,” — Liam Aspinall
