Worrying images have emerged of a Qantas plane engine that appeared to catch fire during take-off.
Passengers aboard QF1737 were due to fly from Karratha Airport, 254km southwest of Port Hedland in the Pilbara region, to Perth on Sunday evening.
However, the flight was forced to be evacuated after travellers spotted flames shooting from under the plane's wing.
The Airbus A320-232 was scheduled to depart at 7.15pm but quickly returned to the bay instead.
Passengers were safely deboarded and the flight was cancelled.
It's understood the fire was caused by an engine issue.
'One of our flights to Perth experienced an engine issue shortly before take-off from Karratha on Sunday evening,' a Qantas spokesperson said.
'Our pilots followed standard procedures and the aircraft returned safely to the bay.
Flames shot out of QF1737 (above) as it prepared to take of from Karratha Airport on Sunday night
Passengers spotted flames (above) coming from underneath the plane's wing
'Safety is always our number one priority. We apologise to customers for the inconvenience and thank them for their understanding.'
The airline arranged accommodation for stranded passengers and customers were booked on the next available flight on Monday morning.
Engineers will inspect the plane before it returns to service.
READ MORE: Hundreds of Qantas workers walk off the job at major airports across Australia
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