Superstitious Act Delays Flight: The Perils of Coin Tossing into Aircraft Engines
In a recent bewildering incident, a China Southern Airlines flight was postponed for over four hours due to a passenger's decision to throw coins into the aircraft's engine for good luck. This old superstition, transformed from wishing wells to jet engines, resulted in an unwanted delay and raised serious safety concerns.
An Unfortunate Delay for Passengers
The event unfolded on March 6, when flight CZ8805, scheduled to depart at 10:00 am from Sanya to Beijing, was held up until approximately 2:16 pm. The delay was necessary to ensure the safety of the aircraft after the coins were retrieved from the engine. This flight connects Sanya, a prime beach holiday spot in Hainan Province, with the capital, Beijing, and typically lasts about 3 hours and 40 minutes.
The Aircraft and the Incident's Details
Operated by an Airbus A350-900, equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engines, the plane is relatively new, having taken its first flight in November 2022. The discovery of the coins led to intensive safety checks by the maintenance staff before the flight could finally proceed. Despite the retrieval of the coins, the specifics of how many were found and the identity of the passenger responsible were not disclosed, although it was reported that the individual estimated throwing "three to five" coins.
Legal Consequences and Safety Warnings
Following the incident, China Southern Airlines reminded the public through a Weibo post about the grave dangers and potential legal repercussions of such "uncivilized behaviors." Highlighting that foreign objects, including coins, can significantly endanger jet engines and potentially lead to catastrophic outcomes, the airline stressed the strict penalties, including criminal charges, that could apply in severe cases.
Not An Isolated Incident
Surprisingly, this is not an isolated case of coin tossing for luck at aircraft engines within China. Previous incidents include a 2019 episode involving Lucky Air and a notable case in 2017 with China Southern Airlines. These acts reflect a peculiar blend of superstition and the modern age of travel, underscoring the need for greater public awareness about aviation safety protocols.