The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) stated that during cruise the number one engine “malfunctioned or failed” on Boeing 737-838, VH-XZB (c/n 39360).
This led the pilots of QF144 to declare a MAYDAY which was later downgraded to a PAN (possible assistance needed).
The Australian flag carrier told the British newspaper The Guardian: “While in-flight engine shutdowns are rare, and would naturally be concerning for passengers, our pilots are trained to manage them safely and aircraft are designed to fly for an extended period on one engine.”
The aircraft continued to its destination and made an uneventful landing at Sydney.
Data from Flightradar24 does not show the aircraft flying again since the incident. This Boeing 737-838, named ‘Mudgee’ by the carrier, was delivered to Qantas on October 22, 2012.
The -800 is the only variant of the Boeing 737 operated by the Australian airline of which it has a fleet of 75, with 71 currently active. The first of the type for Qantas was delivered in 2002.
During the day of the week on which the incident occurred there are five Qantas flights scheduled on the same route from Auckland to Sydney. The Australian carrier also serves Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown in New Zealand.
