Bangalore-bound flight MH192 made an air turn-back
PUBLISHED ONApril 21, 2014 2:26 AM
KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia Airlines flight MH192 bound for Bangalore tonight had to perform an air turn-back shortly after taking off. MAS, in its official Twitter account, stated: "Flight MH192 that departed from KUL at 10.09pm bound for Bangalore has made an air turn-back towards KUL. More details to follow."
Although MAS did not state the reason for the turn back, Twitter accounts were alive with claims that a tyre on the nosewheel of the Boeing 737-800 had burst.
This, however, could not be corroborated as attempts to contact officials proved fruitless.
It is understood MAS and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd were making preparations for an emergency landing at press time, while the aircraft was in a holding pattern over the Straits of Malacca.
A Department of Civil Aviation spokesman said the aircraft would be allowed to land only when it is nearly out of fuel.
He said foam will be spread on the runway to ensure no burning occurs when the plane touches the ground.
He said the plane will land on its belly, without the use of its landing gear.
"There is always a risk when something like this happens but as of now we will have to wait and see. Further information will only be known once it lands in KLIA," he said.
At 1.40am, Malaysia Airlines in a statement confirms that flight MH192 that departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 10.09pm bound for Bangalore has made an air turn back towards Kuala Lumpur.
The aircraft's right-hand landing gear malfunctioned upon takeoff and is expected to make an emergency landing at KLIA at around 2.00am, today.
Flight MH192, operated on the B737-800 aircraft, was scheduled to arrive in Bangalore at 11.35pm the same day.
The flight was carrying a total number of 166 people on board which include 159 passengers and 07 crew members.
Malaysia Airlines is currently working with the Airport Fire Rescue Services (AFRS) in anticipation of the landing.
The airline will provide regular updates on the situation.
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