Concern over the mainland's aviation industry deepened yesterday after a plane had to make an emergency landing soon after take-off because of mechanical failure.
China Eastern Airlines flight MU5106 from Beijing to Shanghai had to make an emergency landing at Beijing Capital International Airport after taking off around 10am.
A spokesman for the carrier said the plane developed a problem with its hydraulic system after taking off.
He said the plane had to return to Beijing in the interests of safety and landed without incident. Passengers were transferred to another plane, which took off at 1.35pm and arrived safely in Shanghai. 'The precise cause of the fault is being investigated,' the spokesman said.
One passenger said a noise like a loud boom was heard while the plane was on the taxiway before take-off. The pilot announced the plane would turn around and land in Beijing. It had to be towed after landing.
The incident happened only three days after a Hong Kong-bound Shanghai Airlines Boeing 767 had to return to Shanghai 35 minutes after taking off because of equipment failure. An airline spokesman said the crew had noticed some mist around air outlets and had decided to return because of safety concerns. A passenger said there had been a short circuit, explosion and smoke in the aircraft.