QF487 return to SYD

[Jason H]

This aircraft, VH-EBN had engine vibration just after takeoff with "visible flames" according to Sydney Tower. They quickly declared a PAN PAN and returned to land. Replacement aircraft departed 2 hours late operated by VH-EBM.

Anyone have any details on this?

[James S.]

Possible bird strike?

[Fred C]

Would you believe a rabbit strike?:eek:

[Jason H]

Haha I would not. Poor bunny

[Rowan McKeever]

Fred really!? No joke??

[Grahame Hutchison]

Hey Rocky, watch me pull a rabbit out of the CF6-80E1A4 !

[Danny G]

Rabbit colony around the old control tower is growing , saw some about yesterday heading to the runway , slowly.

[Fred C]

No joke??
No Joke:D

Did a bit of damage. Catering were contacted too.:p

[Andrew Coggan]

Damage can't of been too bad, VH-EBN on climb out of Melbourne going to Perth having operated the QF421 SYD/MEL this morning.

[Nigel C]

I've seen some pics, and the damage was bad enough.

But I have my doubts that it was a rabbit. The guts on the engine looked more like flying fox internals (trust me, I've scraped enough up over the years, especially just after eating dinner.....), the flying fox 'season' has begun, and I can't remember the last time I saw any rabbits between Alfa and Bravo. I'll be interested to see what the DNA tests show.

[Grahame Hutchison]

DNA Results - "Definately Not Alive"