A Malaysia Airlines Airbus A330, bound for Kuala Lumpur, aborted its takeoff at Narita International Airport in Japan this morning due to an engine malfunction. All 160 passengers and crew members on board flight MH89 were reported safe following the incident.
Videos posted on social media captured the dramatic moment, showing fire, smoke, and burning debris erupting from the aircraft's left engine as it was taxiing to the runway. Malaysia Airlines confirmed the cancellation of flight MH89, attributing it to a "technical issue" with one of its engines that necessitated the aborted takeoff.
The aircraft became immobile after the incident and was subsequently towed to the cargo apron, according to the aviation accident compilation site Aviation Safety Network. The site reported that engine debris was scattered across the tarmac, leading to the runway's closure for nearly two and a half hours for cleanup. Japan's national broadcaster NHK also confirmed the runway closure for safety inspections.
Malaysia Airlines issued an apology for the disruption and assured that all affected passengers are receiving support with alternative travel arrangements. The airline stated, "Meals, lounge access, and hotel accommodation are being provided where applicable," emphasizing that the safety of its passengers and crew members remains its highest priority. Passengers will be rebooked on subsequent flights to Kuala Lumpur. The exact cause of the engine emitting flames has not yet been announced.
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A Malaysia Airlines plane at Narita airport in Japan on 20/8. Photo: Kyodo News |
This incident is not an isolated case of aircraft engines emitting flames recently. On 10/8, an American Airlines plane carrying 181 people experienced severe shaking and its engine continuously spat fire for approximately 10-15 seconds after departing a runway in South Carolina, US. This forced the pilots to make an emergency landing, with no injuries reported.
A pilot involved in the American Airlines incident indicated that the aircraft appeared to have struck a flock of birds during takeoff, with several being ingested into the left engine. Initial assessments suggested that the sparks likely resulted from burning bird remains, with no indication of an internal engine fire.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported nearly 8,300 aircraft-wildlife strikes in the US since the beginning of the year, with birds accounting for approximately 97% of these incidents. In 2025 alone, the US recorded over 24,000 collisions between aircraft and wildlife.
Pham Giang (According to Malay Mail, Kyodo News)
