Singapore 773 has engine surge

SINGAPORE Airlines has blamed a engine surge for an emergency landing of one of its flights at Melbourne Airport overnight.
A Boeing 777-300 passenger jet with 278 passengers and 21 crew dumped some of its fuel load in Port Phillip Bay and returned to Melbourne for an emergency landing about 1.45am (AEST) after passengers saw sparks fly from the left engine.
The aircraft, which had taken off for Singapore shortly before 1am today, landed safely with no injuries reported.
Eleven fire appliances rushed to the airport after the pilot reported engine problems soon after the plane took off.
Rob Ruthen, who lives at Bulla, near the airport, told ABC radio he saw the stricken plane taking off, and was present at the landing as a Country Fire Authority volunteer a short time later. “From the ground the incident was much more serious than anybody else is making it,” he said.
“Our entire house was shaking, the windows were shaking.
“Outside flames could be seen streaming from the engine.
“There were continuous explosions as the plane slowly climbed.
“It then seemed to extinguish the fire, bank slowly and climb and away it went.”
Emergency crews at the airport had been told the plane left debris on the runway, Mr Ruthen said.
He praised police, ambulance, CFA and Metropolitan Fire Brigade for their response to the emergency.
“Thank goodness we didn’t have to do anything when we got there,” Mr Ruthen said.
Singapore Airlines spokesman Samantha Stewart said although the plane could have flown on one engine, airline procedures required the pilot to land at the first opportunity.
“On take-off the aircraft experienced a surge in the left-hand engine,” Ms Stewart said.
“The pilot ensured safe clearance of the aircraft and undertook a fuel dump to bring the aircraft’s weight down prior to landing.
“At this time it appears that the surge caused the left-hand engine to overheat, resulting in sparks in the engine which were visible to passengers on board.”
The aircraft, powered by twin Rolls Royce Trent engines, would not return to service until the engine was replaced or repaired, Ms Stewart said.
Accommodation has been provided for passengers needing it.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure that they are as comfortable as they can be during this delay,” she said.