An Air Caraibes Airbus A330-300 was forced to return to Princess Juliana International Airport after a left-hand engine explosion during take-off.
The Airbus A330, with registration F-ORLY, was departing as flight TX-527 from Princess Juliana International Airport, Sint Maarten, to Paris Orly Airport when a loud explosion was heard by witnesses on the ground, forcing the crew to turn around.
The crew stopped the climb, reduced the thrust of the affected engine and shut down the left-hand engine before returning for a safe landing.
In a statement to The Daily Herald, Princess Juliana International Airport’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Brian Mingo said:
“I heard several loud explosions and saw a flash coming from the left engine. While taking off, the captain heard two loud bangs,s and he turned back and landed safely. Thank GOD for that.”
No one was injured in the incident, and around 30 passengers were on board the aircraft.
Feature Image: “Wikimedia Commons“