Engine catches fire after takeoff！ Passengers on AirAsia flight: We only knew there was an issue

By Chen Ziying / Comprehensive report

An AirAsia flight caught fire shortly after takeoff from Taoyuan Airport this (28th) morning, forcing an emergency return to the airport. The 130 passengers on board were badly shaken, but fortunately the plane landed safely.

The AirAsia AK1519 flight, originally scheduled to depart for Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, at 9:50 a.m., experienced smoke and flames coming from the engine shortly after takeoff this morning. It made an emergency turnback and landed again at Taoyuan Airport. According to passengers, the plane had just taken off but they could already see the sea, yet felt the aircraft was flying at a low altitude. Soon after, they noticed the plane turning around. At that time, the announcement only said “there is an engine issue and we need to return,” and it wasn’t until after landing and disembarking that they learned the engine had actually caught fire.

It is understood that the AK1519 flight’s No. 2 engine caught fire, and the plane safely returned and landed at Taoyuan Airport around 10 a.m. AirAsia also stated that it has contacted other flights to transport the passengers to Sabah, and will release a detailed press statement later.


▲ An AirAsia flight bound for Sabah caught fire shortly after takeoff this morning but turned back immediately. Fortunately, all passengers are safe. (Photo / File photo, taken by reporter You...)