June 15, 2026

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving light aircraft, helicopters, charter flights, balloons, commuter aircraft and airlines throughout Australia and overseas to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for pilots, passengers, operators, aircraft owners and aviation employees worldwide. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of aircraft accident compensation claims.

Date:
Monday 15 June 2026

Time:
c. 18:15 LT

Type of Aircraft:
Boeing 737-8FE (WL)

Owner/Operator:
Virgin Australia Airlines

Registration:
VH-VUR

MSN:
36606/3059

Year of Manufacture:
2009

Engine Model:
CFMI CFM56-7B

Fatalities:
0 / Occupants: Not specified

Other Fatalities:
0

Aircraft Damage:
Unknown

Category:
Incident

Location:
Near Melbourne, VIC – Australia

Phase:
Initial climb

Nature:
Passenger – Scheduled

Departure Airport:
Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport, VIC (MEL/YMML)

Destination Airport:
Perth Airport, WA (PER/YPPH)

Investigating Agency:
Not specified

Confidence Rating:
Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources

Circumstances:

Virgin Australia flight VA697 from Melbourne to Perth, operated by Boeing 737-8FE (WL) VH-VUR, suffered an engine failure during initial climb. The aircraft returned to Melbourne and landed safely. The ASN record identifies a powerplant system/component failure or malfunction; aircraft damage was listed as unknown.

Sources:
https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=572404
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/virgin-flight-makes-emergency-landing-after-engine-issue-20260615-p6071t.html
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/12054593

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving light aircraft, helicopters, charter flights, balloons, commuter aircraft and airlines throughout Australia and overseas to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for pilots, passengers, operators, aircraft owners and aviation employees worldwide. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of aircraft accident compensation claims.