A Jetstar plane has suffered a steering issue – ending up on grass at Christchurch Airport in New Zealand and shutting down the runway.
Flight JQ225 from Auckland to Christchurch ‘swerved wildly’ after touching down and came off the runway just before 8am on Friday.
Jetstar said the incident was caused by a steering issue.
‘After landing in Christchurch, the aircraft experienced a steering issue, causing it to veer on the runway at low speed,’ the spokesperson said.
‘There are no injuries to passengers or crew. The aircraft was towed to the gate and all passengers have disembarked.’
A plane landing at Christchurch Airport in New Zealand ‘swerved wildly’ while touching down and ended up on grass beside the runway (the aircraft is pictured)
The aircraft was towed to the gate and no passengers were injured, Jetstar said
Passengers were stuck in their seats for about an hour after the plane landed.
Emergency crews were notified about the incident at about 7.45am with six trucks, one ladder unit and one command unit deployed to the runway.
The runway has been closed with several flights out of Christchurch delayed.
The runway has been closed with several flights out of Christchurch delayed on Friday
Diana Clement, a columnist for the NZ Herald, was onboard the plane.
‘We had a hydraulic leak on the right and the plane left the runway,’ she told the publication.
‘We are surrounded by fire trucks.’
Another passenger applauded airline staff for remaining calm in the chaos.
‘We’re thankful everyone is safe and for the quick actions of our pilot,’ they wrote.