Mining boss criticizes airliner for public handling of test

A prominent Perth mining executive has accused Qantas of trying to downplay the severity of an in-flight scare on board a Paraburda-bound plane that led to an emergency landing, claiming he thought he was going to die.

Macro Metals managing director Simon Rushton said he was on board Qantas flight QF1624 from Perth on Monday evening when passengers were ordered into landing position.

The flight, which departed Perth Airport at 3.30pm, was diverted to Geraldton and landed safely due to a mechanical problem.

Rushton said the 6PR passengers were about an hour away from Paraburdoo on a Fokker 100 at cruising altitude when the aircraft suddenly began to “listen” halfway through.

He said this continued for at least 10 minutes before a senior officer came out of the cockpit and warned passengers that the pilot would have to make an emergency landing.

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“Everyone felt the weightlessness that occurs when you overcome a steep climb, and asked: “What is this?” Rushton told 6PR.

“Then it began to descend and the pilot came on air and said that everyone, including flight attendants, needed to immediately fasten their seat belts securely and get into the restraint position.

“Everyone on that plane thought they were going to die and were texting their loved ones.”