“Engine Noise Abnormal,” Jin Air Flight from Busan Makes Emergency Return

A Jin Air passenger plane flying from Gimhae International Airport to Okinawa, Japan made an emergency return due to an aircraft issue after takeoff. According to Gimhae International Airport and Jin Air, flight LJ371 (HL8242), which departed at 8:10 AM from Gimhae Airport and was scheduled to arrive at Naha Airport in Okinawa, Japan, made an emergency return due to unusual engine noises after takeoff. The plane was initially scheduled to depart at 8:05 AM, but the departure was slightly delayed due to aircraft connection issues. After taking off at around 8:39 AM, the captain detected engine noises and decided to return for aircraft maintenance. The aircraft flew over Geoje Island for about an hour before landing back at Gimhae Airport at 9:56 AM. There were 183 people on board, including pilots and six crew members. There were no reported injuries during the return process. The aircraft (HL8242) is a Boeing B737-800 model, manufactured on January 7, 2012, making it a 13-year-old plane. Jin Air stated, “After the return, we immediately arranged and dispatched an alternative flight.”