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ABC journalist Mark Willacy recounted a harrowing Qantas flight experience when an engine failure forced the plane to return to Sydney Airport shortly after takeoff. Passengers remained tense
ABC journalist Mark Willacy recounted a harrowing Qantas flight experience when an engine failure forced the plane to return to Sydney Airport shortly after takeoff. Passengers remained tense and silent as the aircraft struggled to gain altitude, with Willacy describing the terrifying moments of silence and uncertainty.
It wasn’t the noise or the jolt that unsettled seasoned journalist Mark Willacy during the emergency on Qantas flight QF520. Rather, it was the plane’s struggle to gain altitude that made his “blood run cold.”
Moments after takeoff, Willacy felt the force of an unexpected bang, and the aircraft began to bank unnaturally. Experienced with flights worldwide, including aircraft carriers and emergency landings, he hadn’t expected this on a domestic flight from Sydney to Brisbane.
As the plane continued its slow climb, there was no immediate word from the cockpit, increasing anxiety among the passengers. The plane began to bank westward, signaling a change in course. Instead of heading towards Brisbane, it became clear they were attempting to return to Sydney.
Seated alone, Willacy observed the reactions of others. The cabin was filled with tense silence, while faces expressed serious concern. His seatmate began texting, perhaps a loved one, but Willacy felt paralyzed, unable to do the same.
“The flight attendant looked calm, but I felt she was trying to look calm,” he observed. The unsettling atmosphere only deepened as the plane banked over the Pacific, leaving passengers uncertain about the unfolding situation.
Finally, the captain addressed the cabin, announcing that there was a problem with the right engine and that it had shut down. While he assured passengers that “everything was under control” and that they would be landing in 15 minutes, the tension in the cabin was palpable. The captain’s calm tone provided some comfort, though unease lingered.
Passengers around Willacy began talking, sharing stories about how they’d found themselves on flight QF520. Small talk emerged as a way to break the tension, with the quiet conversations offering a sense of normalcy in a frightening situation.
The descent was slow and steady, and as they approached the runway, passengers caught sight of smoke and fire engines waiting alongside the runway. While Willacy couldn’t be certain if it was related to their incident, the sight of emergency vehicles was unsettling.
As the plane touched down, relief swept through the cabin. Passengers broke out in applause and some cheered. The Qantas crew had guided them through the ordeal, and passengers’ calm response helped the flight land safely. The captain’s poise and professionalism, along with the cabin crew’s composed demeanor, were key to the successful emergency landing.
Reflecting on the experience, Willacy expressed his admiration for the crew and his fellow passengers. The tension of the event, he noted, highlighted the risks that come with air travel, even for experienced flyers.
Now waiting for his next flight, Willacy said he is once again turning to Pearl Jam as he prepares for takeoff, trying to push the harrowing experience behind him. But for him and many on QF520, the sound of that bang in the sky won’t soon be forgotten.
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