Virgin flight diverts after pilot issues 'mayday' call as 'engine shuts down'

26 May 2023 , 20:04

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VS141 is carrying 250 passengers (Image: Getty Images)

A Virgin Atlantic flight from London had to be diverted after a may day call from its pilot.

Flight VS141, carrying 250 passengers onboard, was diverted to Goose Bay in Canada after its left engine was shut down and an inspection was requested for "damage" and "leakages".

Reports citing air traffic control reportedly noted an oil leak.

The airline confirmed the plane, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner bound for Los Angeles, had landed at Goose Bay.

"We can confirm that the VS141 has landed in Goose Bay Airport in Canada," the airline said.

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When asked by the Mirror if the airline experienced engine problems, a Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said the flight was diverted because of "technical issues".

The pilot issued a mayday call (flightradar)

The spokesperson said: "As a precautionary measure, the VS141 from London Heathrow to Los Angeles has diverted to Goose Bay in Canada due to a technical issue.

"The safety and security of our customers and crew always remains our highest priority and wasn’t compromised at any point."

Virgin Atlantic confirmed a recovery flight would be sent to Goose Bay.

"We will be sending a recovery flight to collect all customers from Goose Bay which will transport them to New York JFK, where customers will be provided with accommodation and our teams will help with their onward journey to Los Angeles.

"We’d like to sincerely apologise for the delay and any inconvenience caused.”

Goose Bay is an air force base operated by the Royal Canadia Air Force and is based in Newfoundland.

It was established in 1941 during World War 2 and was used by the US and Canada.

Benjamin Lynch