Qantas flight to Sydney issues mayday, reports mid-air engine trouble
QF144 reported an engine failure while overflying the Tasman sea. For more than an hour, the aircraft has been returning to Sydney on one engine at a lower altitude of 20,000ft, down from 36,000ft. The aircraft is due to land at 3:26 pm
It was delayed at Auckland airport by 36 minutes.
The flight is currently over the water, Flight Radar indicated.
Mayday meaning
According to Airservices Australia, a mayday call is issued when a flight is in grave and imminent danger and needs immediate assistance.
Once the call is issued, controllers alert aviation rescue, firefighting and emergency services with details on how to respond. They also assist pilots.
Update
Qantas flight from Auckland lands safely in Sydney after issuing a mayday call mid-flight
