The cause of a "very strong burning smell" - which forced an easyJet plane travelling to Bristol Airport to be diverted - has been revealed.
The Airbus A320 from Edinburgh was flying over mid-Wales when it changed path to land at Birmingham Airport on February 25.
At the time, easyJet said the diversion happened “due to a technical fault with the aircraft” .
This week, a report from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has shed more light on the incident.
The report said the problem started when flight crew noticed “louder than usual” fan noise in the aircraft cabin while on the ground at Edinburgh Airport.
Despite this, the decision was made to continue with the flight – but once in the air the noise increased and a vibration was felt, the report said.
When the aircraft started its descent to Bristol, a “very strong burning smell” filled the flight deck, said the report.
Flight crews donned their oxygen masks but the aircraft was diverted safely to Birmingham, the report said.
There were 178 passengers and six crew members on board. No one was injured.
The report has found the noise and smell was caused by a damaged rotor and worn bearing in an extract fan.
At the time, a spokesperson for the airline said: “easyJet can confirm that the captain of flight EZY426 from Edinburgh to Bristol took the decision to divert to Birmingham as a precaution due to a technical fault with the aircraft.
“The passengers continued their journey to Bristol by coach transport.
“easyJet would like to thank passengers for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
“The safety of its passengers and crew is easyJet's highest priority."
easyJet has been contacted for additional comment.
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