A plane has landed safely in Invercargill after flames were seen shooting from one of its engines.
The Melbourne-bound Virgin Australia flight, a Boeing 737-800, experienced an issue shortly after taking off from Queenstown Airport on Monday evening.
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Witnesses said flames were bursting from the engine, while others claimed on social media that "loud bangs" were also heard.
According to the Lakes Weekly Bulletin, the plane appeared to be experiencing "engine trouble" during take-off, with "bangs" ringing out as it flew over Shotover Delta Road at about 6pm.
A spokesperson for Queenstown Airport confirmed Virgin Australia flight VA148 departed for Melbourne at roughly 5:50pm.
"It experienced an issue just after take-off and has been diverted to Invercargill Airport," they said.
The plane touched down "safely" in Invercargill at about 6:50pm.
'Shoot flames'
A witness told Newshub they saw "flames shooting out the back" of the plane during their evening walk at approximately 6:15pm.
"I had a good view as I was walking along the Kawarau River with my dog, so the flames... were quite bright," Matt Foot told Newshub.
"The engine sounded as though it was over-revving and it would do that twice, and then shoot flames from right around the back of the jet.
"I watched this repeat approximately 12 to 14 times before the plane disappeared around the side of the Gibbston Valley hill. The plane appeared to be struggling to gain speed or altitude."
He added that the plane was "revving like he had never heard before", while the initial burst of flames "engulfed the whole back of the jet before going out".
Bird strike possibly to blame
Passengers on-board the flight are claiming a bird strike may have been responsible for the incident. In an email to Newshub, a man who said he was travelling on flight VA148 claimed birds had struck the left engine.
"The captain told us that there was a bird strike on the left engine and the plane was shaking up and down, [we] have just landed at Invercargill with lots of ambulances and fire crew," he told Newshub.
In a post to X shortly before 7pm, another passenger who appeared to be on the flight claimed it was "calm in the cabin" upon their arrival in Invercargill.
"A tad shaken but on the ground as fire crews inspect the plane," they said. "Can confirm it was a bird strike on the way out."
Virgin Australia chief operations officer Stuart Aggs later confirmed a bird strike may have triggered the flames.
He added that all passengers have disembarked and there are currently no reports of injuries.
"Emergency services personnel are on the ground at Invercargill Airport," Aggs said.
"Our efforts are now focused on providing support for our guests and crew, as well as transporting and accommodating guests in Invercargill this evening and arranging for their earliest onward travel to Australia."
There were 67 passengers and six crew onboard, he said.
"We wish to express our appreciation for the support of Invercargill Airport, emergency services, local Air New Zealand team members and our crew onboard in helping to support tonight’s response effort."
