An aircraft from JIN AIR heading to Okinawa, Japan, made an emergency return after a mechanical issue shortly after takeoff from Gimhae International Airport in Busan.
According to Gimhae International Airport and JIN AIR on the 25th, flight LJ371 (HL8242) of JIN AIR, which was scheduled to depart Gimhae Airport at 8:10 a.m. and arrive at Naha Airport in Okinawa, Japan, made an emergency return due to abnormal engine sounds after takeoff.
The aircraft was originally scheduled to depart at 8:05 a.m., but the departure was slightly delayed due to consolidation delays. It took off around 8:39 a.m. and decided to return after noise occurred from the engine.
The aircraft circled over Geoje Island to burn fuel due to landing weight restrictions and returned to Gimhae International Airport, landing around 9:56 a.m. It was 1 hour and 17 minutes after departing Gimhae International Airport.
Passengers on board reported that several explosions were heard from the engine during takeoff. Some passengers claimed to have witnessed flames near the wing.
The number of passengers on the aircraft was 183. It was determined that all of them, except for six pilots and crew members, were passengers. No significant injuries were confirmed.
The aircraft (HL8242) is a Boeing B737-800 model, produced on Jan. 7, 2012. Its age is 13 years.
JIN AIR noted that they immediately arranged a replacement flight after the return.