An Auckland-bound Qantas flight has had to turn back to Sydney Airport after bird strike.
Flight QF141 took off from Sydney at 7.20am (local time) but struck a problem shortly after take-off, leading to a decision to return.
Qantas said, in a statement, the Boeing 737 jet landed normally and was being inspected by engineers.
“We will re-accommodate customers as soon as possible,” the airline said.
“We appreciate our customers’ understanding and apologise for the inconvenience.”
Passenger James Hita was on board the flight and told 1News a “massive jolt” could be felt when the strike occurred.
“There was also a really bad smell through the plane, like rotting meat.”
Passengers were told about 10 minutes after the jolt that it had been caused by a bird strike. Another 10 minutes later, they were informed that the plane would be returning to Sydney Airport.
“The flight spent around an hour and half in the air to burn fuel as it was overweight for landing,” Hita said. “Emergency services met the plane as we landed.”
Hita overheard cabin crew discussing the incident, saying a “massive gull” was struck.
He said the flight has been cancelled and passengers were being rebooked on the next available flight, which was not until tomorrow.
“I’m personally $800 out of pocket now, and Qantas have said they will not compensate us for anything.”
Hita was flying to Auckland for his first anniversary with his partner.
Flight radar data published online showed the flight zig-zagged soon after take-off before eventually returning to Australia.
Bird strikes, collisions between a plane and birdlife, could occur during any phase of flight but were most likely during take-off, initial climb, approach or landing phases.
They could be particularly hazardous when birds collided with the windscreen of a plane or were sucked into the engine of jet aircraft.