SINGAPORE: A Qantas Airways flight from Perth to Singapore damaged the runway during takeoff on Sunday (Sept 15), leaving behind fragments of the tarmac.
According to flight-tracking website FlightRadar24, flight QF71 departed Perth’s airport at about 12.25pm.
Australian media outlet news.com.au reported that the A332 plane could be seen ripping off parts of the newly renovated section of the runway.
Footage of the incident was posted online by a man named Mitchell, who goes by his online moniker Ypphplaneguy. He said that the plane supposedly had its brakes on as it ascended into the air.
The incident left fragments on the ground and sent some debris flying into the air.
Mitchell, who is an aero photographer, according to news.com.au, said that the affected spot is one of the newest areas of the ongoing runway renewals.
According to news.com.au, Mitchell said the incident also caused a Boeing 747 freighter to divert to Adelaide instead of landing at Perth Airport as there “wasn’t a big enough runway to land at”.
Data on FlightRadar24 showed that Qantas flight QF71 did not experience any difficulties and landed in Singapore at 5.09pm.
The Straits Times has contacted Qantas and Perth Airport for more information. - The Straits Times/ANN