MAS: Flight MH198 turned back due to auto-pilot defect, denies aircraft on fire

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH198 that departed from Kuala Lumpur for Hyderabad, India had to turn back due to an auto-pilot defect. 

“The defect did not have any impact on the safety of the aircraft or passengers, however, as a precautionary measure, the operating captain decided to turn back,” the airline said in a statement on Sunday. 

It also refuted reports on social media that the aircraft caught fire. 

Flight MH198, which departed at 10.20pm on Saturday landed at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 2.01am, Sunday.

Initial reports said that the plane had to make an emergency landing after dumping fuel. 

The airline said that upon arrival, passengers and crew disembarked safely and were given accommodation at nearby hotels.

The flight has been rescheduled to operate as MH198D and will depart Kuala Lumpur at 12pm, Sunday.

MAS said it regretted the disruption to its guests' travel plans but reiterated that safety of its passengers was its priority. 

“The airline also appreciates the public's co-operation to refrain from making speculations to avoid discomfort among air travellers,” MAS said.

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