#3 engine had a large surge about 50 ft off the ground on take off. They were taking off from 16L. Apparently rather large surge with flames out the front and back and large bang as is usual with these type events. The crew didn't shutdown the engine but dumped fuel and returned to Syd. I imagine it gave everyone a bit of a scare at a rather critical phase of flight. There were nil obvious defects evident from a quick front and back inspection on its return but a borescope inspection was in progress and crews were gearing up for an engine change tonight if necessary.
Well if it was on take-off and they then dumped fuel, the news bulletin (either Ch9 or ABC) that I saw got it really rong because they said it was 300+ km out when there was a loud bang and the aircraft returned and the runway (apt) was closed for an hour.
Well I can assure you that H131 is not 300+ miles out because that is where I was when I saw and heard #3 eng surge on take off 200 metres in front of me.
I was sitting in the crew room in SY when some FA's came in and said they just saw a QF jumbo have an engine fire after take-off. It was very obvious and noticeable apparantly.
Great. Successfully bring a heavy beast back safely and then have to change the engine yourself. I demand a 29.47% payrise for that! Yesterday 20:55
Hey Bloggsy You are never going to get your 29.47% mate. I have seen a monkey trained ride a bike but if the chain falls of the monkey is screwed. Stick to flying.....