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Qantas Flight QF122 Lands Safely After Engine Fire

9/7/2026

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Summary

Qantas Pilots Divert

Qantas pilots diverted flight QF122 to Christchurch after an engine fire on takeoff.
Flames from the left engine, later blamed on a bird strike, forced the crew to shut it down.
The aircraft landed safely at Christchurch Airport at 4:57 PM with no injuries.
Qantas grounded the jet for engine inspection and dispatched two engineers to Christchurch.

Summary

Qantas Engine Glitch

Qantas said both engines stayed operating, refuting earlier reports of an engine shutdown.
Residents near Queenstown valley heard loud explosions like gunshots as the plane climbed.
Witnesses saw intermittent flame bursts from the left engine, prompting neighbours onto balconies.
Qantas emphasized pilots’ training, confirmed priority landing, and gave passengers hotel rooms and alternate flights.

History

Historical Context

On Jan 15 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 struck about 110 Canada geese, lost both engines and ditched in the Hudson, saving all 155 aboard. The NTSB investigation spurred FAA wildlife-management rules and large-scale goose control in New York. In March 2024, Qantas Flight QF122 suffered a similar left-engine fire from a bird strike, prompting renewed focus on those safety measures.

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Qantas Pilots Divert

Qantas pilots diverted flight QF122 to Christchurch after an engine fire on takeoff.
Flames from the left engine, later blamed on a bird strike, forced the crew to shut it down.
The aircraft landed safely at Christchurch Airport at 4:57 PM with no injuries.
Qantas grounded the jet for engine inspection and dispatched two engineers to Christchurch.

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