A China Southern Airlines flight bound for Guangzhou experienced a delay of nearly five hours at Shanghai Pudong International Airport due to an unusual incident. An 80-year-old female passenger, identified by her surname Qiu, threw nine coins into the aircraft's engine while boarding, claiming it was a superstitious gesture for a safe journey.
Safety procedures necessitated the evacuation of approximately 150 passengers and a thorough inspection of the engine. Although technicians recovered the coins and found no structural damage, aviation protocols required a complete check before takeoff, leading to the significant delay.
Ms. Qiu was detained and questioned by police, who confirmed she had no criminal record or history of mental illness. Despite the act being punishable, authorities decided not to penalize her due to her age and lack of malicious intent. The incident served as a reminder of the potential consequences of popular beliefs in modern aviation.
