EK346 8 Sep return to DXB - What happened?
Hello,
Anyone with inside info about what happened to EK346 Dubai - Kuala Lumpur on 8th September?
Short version of non-aviation friend who was on board:
After takeoff a series of loud bangs where heard and the aircraft lost altitude and banked. Passengers reported seeing sparkds/flames from engine. First they were told by the Captain in a "nervous shaky voice" they would land at Qatar, but after half hour holding they where told they had "engine and control problems" and would return to Dubai. They where briefed for a full emergency landing. They were told there would be fuel jettisoning and flames may be seen. (don't ask me..)
It appears to have been a firm landing, as the overhead lockers opened "on impact". Panick broke out and passengers where trying to climb over each other to reach an emergency exit. The crew managed to prevent people from opening doors. After 20 minutes of standing without electrics or aircon (I suppose full shutdown in evacuation checklist?) they were towed to stand and bussed to a seperate area of the airfield were councelling was available.
They were promised hotels and connecting flights.
He is now in discussion with Emirates about a missed connection and they are basically denying anything happened and refusing to reimburse him. As he took a number of pictures of the event they said they would come after him if he would publicise these pics.
Anyone now what actually happened and if this kind of hush-up is common?