KOTA KINABALU: A MASwings ATR 72-500 aircraft with 59 passengers and crew onboard landed safely in Labuan after parts of one of its engines fell off during take off.

MASwings in a statement said that MH3041 heading for Labuan had departed Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 7.30am, Thursday adding that the aircraft’s pilot had realised upon descent that one of its two engines had developed a “technical anomaly”.

“As per standard operating procedure, the operating captain immediately informed the Labuan air traffic control and full aerodrome support services was activated.

“All necessary procedures were executed as the plane made its landing at 8am,” the company said.

“It was found that the number two engine’s inboard cowling board had detached itself and was found on the runway at Kota Kinabalu International Airport,” the statement added.

The aircraft has been grounded to allow for engineering inspection and maintenance, the company added.