Qantas plane fell 200m in 20 seconds
Posted
Updated
The pilot of the Qantas plane was forced to make an emergency landing near Exmouth. (Channel 7)
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau says the Qantas aircraft involved in a mid-air emergency on Tuesday fell about 200 metres in 20 seconds before returning to cruising level.
The flight data recorder also indicated it made a second 122m descent over 16 seconds.
Forty-six passengers were injured in the incident, 20 of them seriously.
Seven passengers are still being treated at the Royal Perth, Sir Charles Gardiner and Fremantle hospitals for injuries including cuts, fractures and spinal damage.
Qantas will refund the cost of every passenger's ticket and give them a free travel voucher, as well as contacting injured passengers about paying for medical and other expenses.
It is thought a computer problem may have caused the incident.
Search ABC News
Featured Video
-
Video
Julia Gillard has moved one vote closer to hanging on to her job.
-
Video
Samantha Stosur has cruised through to the third round of the US Open with a crushing straight sets win over fellow Australian Anastasia Rodionova.
-
Video
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has opened up about his life in Downing Street in his controversial new memoir.
-
Video
Julia Gillard says a Labor government would make $100 million immediately available to redevelop the Royal Hobart Hospital.
The ABC News Online Investigative Unit encourages whistleblowers, and others with access to information they believe should be revealed for the public good, to contact us.
