Flight MH198 turned back due to auto-pilot defect

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH198 that departed from Kuala Lumpur for Hyderabad, India had to turn back not because it caught fire.

The airline in a statement said the plane turned back due to an auto-pilot defect.

It also refuted reports on social media that the aircraft caught fire.

“The defect did not have any impact on the safety of the aircraft or passengers, however, as a precautionary measure, the operating Captain decided to turn back,” the airline said.

Flight MH198, which departed at 10.20pm on Saturday landed at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 2.01am, Sunday.

Initial reports said that the plane had to make an emergency landing due to “burning fuel”.

The airline said that upon arrival, passengers and crew disembarked safely and were given accommodation at nearby hotels.

The flight was rescheduled to operate as MH198D and departed Kuala Lumpur at 12pm, Sunday.

MAS said it regretted the disruption to its guests’ travel plans but reiterated that safety of its passengers was its priority.

“The airline also appreciates the public’s co-operation to refrain from making speculations to avoid discomfort among air travellers,” MAS said.

-fmt