Scoot flight makes emergency landing after sparks allegedly spotted on engine, airline confirms no engine fire

A Scoot flight bound for Singapore from Xi'an, China, made an emergency landing about 20 minutes after takeoff due to technical issues.

A passenger on board Flight TR135, Nara (not her real name), told Mothership that she saw "some orange flashing lights" coming from the left engine.

Another passenger reported seeing flames and sparks on the left wing of the plane during the takeoff.

Flight TR135 was originally scheduled to depart from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport at 1:35am on Feb. 23 and arrive at Singapore Changi Airport at 7:35am.

No casualties

According to local media, the emergency landing was caused by a mechanical failure, reported Shin Min Daily News.

The flight initially took off around 1:32am and later returned to the airport at 1:57am.

The airport reportedly initiated an emergency response, with multiple departments including the airport fire department, responding to the scene.

No casualties were reported.

Netizens claimed that the engine of the plane caught fire, according to the Shin Min report.

Passengers sent to nearby hotel

Nara said that a cabin crew member pressed the emergency button after noticing the "orange flashing light" from the engine.

She and her father also heard a "booming" sound as the plane took off.

Nara expressed her relief, crediting the "brave air steward" for ensuring their safety.

Pictures shared by Nara showed fire trucks and ambulances waiting on the runway.

Videos circulating online also show many flight personnel on the ground.

Nara said that passengers were sent to a nearby hotel and provided with food, but no official information about their rescheduled flight was given until 12 hours later, at 4:30pm.

The flight has now been rescheduled for the following day, Feb. 24, at 1:35am.

Scoot's statement

In response to queries from Mothership, Scoot confirmed that Flight TR135 returned to Xi’an about 20 minutes after takeoff due to a technical issue.

The airline confirmed that there was no engine fire and that emergency services were activated at the airport as a precaution.

As engineers on the ground required more time to resolve the issue, a decision was made to cancel the flight, the airline said.

All customers were provided with necessary assistance on the ground, including hotel accommodation and ground transport, it added.

"Scoot sincerely apologises for the disruption and inconvenience caused. The safety of our customers and crew is our top priority."

Top photos from Mothership readers