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Date:
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Time:
Not specified (incident occurred around 07:00 Local Time)
Type of Aircraft:
Saab 340B+
Owner/Operator:
REX Airlines
Registration:
VH-ZPN
MSN:
340B-384
Year of Manufacture:
1995
Engine Model:
General Electric CT7-9B
Fatalities:
0 / Occupants: Not specified
Other Fatalities:
0
Aircraft Damage:
Unknown (minor external scorch marks reported)
Category:
Serious incident
Location:
Adelaide Airport (ADL/YPAD), SA – Australia
Phase:
Take-off
Nature:
Passenger – Scheduled
Departure Airport:
Adelaide Airport, SA (ADL/YPAD)
Destination Airport:
Broken Hill Airport, NSW (BHQ/YBHI)
Investigating Agency:
ATSB
Confidence Rating:
Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources
Circumstances:
On October 8, 2025, Regional Express (REX) flight ZL4818, operated by a Saab 340B+ registered VH-ZPN, aborted take-off from runway 05 at Adelaide Airport following reports of flames coming from the left engine.
The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft commenced its take-off roll for a scheduled service to Broken Hill. Passengers reportedly shouted “fire” as the aircraft came to a halt on the runway. The flight crew shut down the no.1 engine and initiated an emergency evacuation.
Adelaide Airport confirmed that the runway was closed for approximately 20 minutes while emergency services responded. REX later clarified that a “cockpit indication” prompted the crew to reject the take-off, and that a small amount of unburnt fuel ignited briefly in the exhaust after engine shutdown.
All passengers and crew safely evacuated and were transported to the terminal by bus. One passenger described a “pungent” smell of fumes and rising cabin temperature before evacuation. Another praised the calm professionalism of the cabin crew and flight crew in handling the situation.
No injuries were reported, though one individual received precautionary assessment for chest discomfort. The aircraft was later inspected by engineers, and operations at Adelaide Airport resumed by 08:00 local time.
The ATSB has confirmed it will investigate the event, including reviewing flight data, crew actions, and maintenance records for the aircraft.
Sources:
ABC Broken Hill, 7NEWS, Adelaide Airport, REX Airlines
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.