A330 med airspeed problemer - Skumle greier

Etihad flight returns to Brisbane after reporting 'airspeed system failure'


Australian transport safety bureau launches investigation when a passenger plane makes mayday call shortly after takeoff

The Australian transport safety bureau has launched an investigation after a passenger plane made a mayday call shortly after takeoff from Brisbane airport on Thursday afternoon.

The Etihad A330 was holding east of Brisbane when it made a distress call, and reported an "airspeed system failure", the bureau said.

The bureau said the plane reported issues with the airspeed indicator and "possibly with associated systems".

In response, the plane returned to Brisbane airport and landed safely about 2.50pm local time.

A statement from Etihad airways said the flight returned to Brisbane due to "a flight deck instrument failure".

"The flight crew followed all standard operational procedures, declared an emergency, and made a precautionary landing. The aircraft landed without incident and all passengers and crew are safe."

The bureau has received a technical report from the operator of the flight and has launched an investigation into the incident.

"We will be working with the operator to obtain the relevant recorded information," a spokesman told Guardian Australia.

The 11.50am flight EY473 to Singapore, initially delayed by just over an hour, took off at 1.10pm, according to the Brisbane airport departures website.

Passengers were having flights rebooked with other airlines, Ethiad said