An investigation is currently underway following a mid-air incident involving a QantasLink flight that necessitated an emergency landing in Adelaide.

The E190 aircraft, designated as flight QF1972, had departed around 6:10 AM when the crew issued an emergency declaration.

Senator Leah Blyth, who was on board, recounted a troubling experience soon after the plane took off.

“The cabin was suddenly filled with some kind of white smoke that smelled like an electrical issue,” Blyth explained.

Another passenger, Amy, shared her initial thoughts on the situation, saying, “At first, I thought it might just be breakfast burning, but then we flew low over the ocean for about 20 minutes.”

Audio recordings captured the pilot’s communication with ground control, revealing the urgency of the situation.

“PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN. Q-LINK 1972. We’ve got smoke in the flight deck,” the pilot reported.

Ground control responded, “1972 if able you make a right turn and track to the field.”

As the pilot executed a U-turn to return to Adelaide Airport, other aircraft were affected.

A passenger on another plane recorded an announcement: “All stations, Adelaide ground, just to keep you up to date we have an aircraft with an emergency in the circuit area. There’ll be no further clearances given on ground until further advised.”

The plane landed safely and was towed away for inspection.

It is understood to be an electrical fire, although the investigations are ongoing.

Blyth commended the airline staff.

“Hats off to the Qantas staff. They stayed very very calm. The captain was keeping passengers informed the whole time,” Blyth said.

Passengers were placed on a replacement flight about two hours later, including three Liberal politicians en route to a party room meeting concerning climate change in Canberra.