Palu, W Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - A Wings Air plane serving the Palu-Luwuk route in Central Sulawesi was forced to return to Mutiara Sis Aljufri Airport on Saturday morning, after sparks were noticed coming out of the engine on its right wing.

The plane is owned by the Pioneer Aviation.

"Passengers panicked after seeing sparks on the right wing twice," Muchlis, a passenger, said after the plane landed at the Mutiara airport here.

Muchlis further stated that within two to three minutes of the plane taking off, some passengers suddenly noticed sparks along the wing to the right, triggering a panic among the passengers. "The sparks were seen twice," he noted.

Also, propeller came to a stop and only the propeller on the left side was functioning.

"Some women traveling with children screamed and demanded that the plane be turned around. Some of the passengers stood up from their seats," he revealed.

Flight number IW 1156 was on schedule and had departed at 6:00 am from Mutiara Sis Aljufri Airport for the Lwuk Airport. The aircraft was scheduled to arrive at 7:10 am, he informed.

No fatality was reported immediately as a result of the incident.

After the commotion, the plane returned while following a low-flying path.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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