NEED TO KNOW
- A Qantas flight from Adelaide to Port Lincoln, Australia, was forced to turn back twice
- The first delay occurred after the plane struck a bird and the second when the flight crew realized a generator was out
- After moving to a different plane, passengers finally completed their flight following the six-hour delay
A Qantas flight in South Australia was reportedly forced to turn back twice after striking a bird and facing a technical issue.
On Saturday, Jan. 18, the QantasLink Dash 8, which had departed from Adelaide around 8:00 a.m., was on its way to Port Lincoln when it had to turn back after crossing Spencer Gulf and hitting a bird, according to 7News.
Flight 2581 returned back to the tarmac almost one hour after striking the animal, 9News reported.
“People just couldn’t believe it,” passenger Barry Stribling told 7News. “They’d struck a bird in Port Lincoln there was no mechanical service, so they had to come back to Adelaide.”
While the aircraft was given the all-clear to attempt its journey again after staying on the ground for an hour and being checked by engineers, the plane had to turn back a second time after a technical issue, according to 9News and The Advertiser.
PEOPLE has contacted Qantas and Adelaide Airport for comment.
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A warning light was displayed in the flight deck, per The Advertiser, and 7News reported that a generator was out.
“It reminded me of a Seinfeld episode,” passenger Barry Stribler told 9News. “The second time the pilot actually came out and as we were all walking out, each individual person he apologized and said he was sorry.”
Passenger Imogen Evans was on her way to emcee at a wedding when the flight delays took place.
“So sorry Mads, sorry Jordan, I’ll be there as soon as I can. I think I’ll be there in time for my stuff, but I’m devastated to miss the ceremony, it’s two of my best friends,” she told 7News.
Following the disruptions, passengers were able to switch planes, enabling them to take off at around 2:00 p.m., after a six-hour delay, according to 9News.
They then landed in Port Lincoln at 2:50 p.m., The Advertiser reported.
Qantas said the technical issue was unrelated to the incident involving the bird, according to the outlet.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding from our customers and apologize for the delay,” Qantas said in a statement obtained by 7News.
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