Bird strike causes Qatar Airways jet to make emergency landing in Turkey as engine catches fire in mid-air
Passengers on the Airbus A330 were rushed off the plane as the blaze threatened to engulf the aircraft
A BIRD strike caused a Qatar Airways passenger jet to make an emergency landing at Istanbul's main airport after sparking a fire in one of its engines.
Flames could be seen billowing from the aircraft's left engine as it travelled over buildings shortly after takeoff.
A spokesperson from Qatar Airwats said: “Qatar Airways can confirm that QR240 from Istanbul to Doha experienced a bird strike, which resulted in its safe return to Istanbul.
"All 298 passengers and 14 crew disembarked normally and the airline is sending a replacement aircraft to Istanbul. Customer needs, including onward travel, will be taken care of by the airline. The safety of our passengers is our most important responsibility. The pilot followed all safety procedures.”
Turkish Airlines employee Mehmet Kirazoglu, who reported on the incident via Twitter, said: "I was in Turkish Airlines Technology building nearby the IST airport we heard a strange engine sound over us.
"When (we looked) up we saw a Qatar Airways plane whose left engine was flaming out.
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"It turned round towards sea, I suppose it drained its fuel (in the) Marmara Sea. Thank god, we have learnt that it landed safely.
"At one point it was top over us and saw the burning engine clearly."
Qatar Airways is one of the Mideast's three biggest carriers, alongside the region's biggest carrier, the Dubai-based Emirates Airline, and the Abu-Dhabi based Etihad Airways.
Qatar Airways flies out of its hub in the vast new Hamad International Airport in Doha, which is preparing to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
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