MAS FLIGHT MAKES EMERGENCY LANDING WITH 90 PASSENGRS, CREW ON BOARD

PENANG (Malaysia), March 25 (Bernama) -- A Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Boeing
737 from Singapore to Langkawi via Penang, with 83 passengers and seven crew
members on board, made an emergency landing at the Bayan Lepas International
Airport here Thursday.

Malaysia Airports Berhad (MAB) Senior Manager in Penang, Abdul Wahab Mohd
Yusoff said the flight from Singapore to Langkawi had encountered engine trouble
during approach into Penang and forced to make an emergency landing at 12.30pm.

However, the plane landed safely and all passengers and crew on board were
safe.

Abdul Wahab said the runway was closed for 20 minutes during which the plane
was towed to the bay and reopened at 12.50pm.

"Flight MH674 departed Singapore at 11.05am and was expected to land in
Penang before continuing its journey to Langkawi," he said.



Meanwhile, a passenger on the flight, Eddie O'Hara from Sydney said before
the plane made an emergency landing, he heard loud noises and saw fire and thick
smoke from one of the engines.

"The captain made a circular movement and attempted to land on the runway
but had to abandon the move and take off before making a second attempt
successfully.

"I was seated by window on the right side of the plane and could see what
was happening. I did not wake up my wife who was sleeping in the next seat.
There was panic and it happened so fast," he said.

He also praised the pilot for being very professional throughout the ordeal
and for his ability to land the plane safely without causing any injuries to the
passengers or crew.

--BERNAMA