A flight from Shanghai to Guangzhou was delayed after an elderly woman passenger was suspected of throwing coins into the plane’s engine to ensure “good luck”, mainland media reported.
China Southern Airlines Flight 380 was held up at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport after an elderly woman passenger caused a disruption, according to the airline’s official WeChat account. An investigation into the incident is under way.
The captain warned the coins could have caused engine failure. Photo: Handout
Passengers boarding the flight reportedly saw an elderly woman throwing coins at the engine for “blessings” from the middle of the boarding staircase and alerted the crew.
Advertisement
Ground staff said the woman, who appeared to be about 80 and had limited mobility, was accompanied by her husband, daughter and son-in-law.
Advertisement
Plane mechanics later found nine coins at the site, including one inside the engine.
The captain was quoted as saying the metal, if sucked up by the engine, could have caused serious damage, including failure.
After a safety inspection, the flight departed for southern China more than five hours late. Photo: Handout
