The flight was on its way to Dunedin when it turned back. Photo / Flight Radar 24
The flight was on its way to Dunedin when it turned back. Photo / Flight Radar 24
Pilots of an Air New Zealand plane turned it back after take-off because they believed a wheel in the main landing gear had "made contact with an object on departure", a spokeswoman from the national carrier has confirmed.
Flight NZ5759 from Christchurch to Dunedin returned to Christchurch as a precautionafter the incident on Friday evening, the spokeswoman said.
"The aircraft made a normal landing at 8pm and will be inspected by engineers."
She did not have further details on the incident.
A passenger on the plane, an ATR-72 turboprop, said the plane turned back about halfway through the flight and while it was at cruise altitude.
The Air New Zealand spokeswoman said affected customers would be accommodated on alternative services on Saturday. Those needing accommodation had been provided with hotel rooms.