MAS flight turns back due to auto-pilot defect

KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysia Airlines flight en route to Hyderabad from KL International Airport (KLIA) had to turn back shortly after take off due to an auto-pilot defect.
Dispelling rumours that it had to turn back due to a fire breakout, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai (pix) said: "I have received confirmation report from the Department of Civil Aviation that there were some difficulties with the flight's auto-pilot system and this prompted the captain to turn back to KLIA."
He said in a long distance flight, it is necessary that the auto-pilot worked properly as the pilot will use it at some point of the journey.
In a statement, MAS said flight MH198 departed KLIA at 10.20pm yesterday and touched down safely at the airport in Sepang at 2.01am today. The passengers were put up at a nearby hotel.
MAS rescheduled its flight as MH198D and the passengers left at noon today and arrived at Hyderabad at 1.35pm (local time).
MAS, which also refuted claims in social media that the aircraft was on fire, said the defect did not have any impact on the safety of the aircraft or passengers but, as a precautionary measure, the captain decided to turn back.
"Malaysia Airlines regrets the disruption to its guests' travel plans and reiterates that safety of its passengers remains the utmost importance to the airline," adding that the airline also appreciates the public's cooperation to refrain from speculation to avoid discomfort among air travellers.