Jet grounded after dog chews through electrical...

A QANTAS jet was grounded after a dog in the cargo hold escaped from its cage and snacked on parts of the aircraft's interior.

The animal chewed through electrical wiring and panels so tough that they are difficult to cut with a knife.

The first indication of trouble occurred when the Airbus A330 left Auckland bound for Melbourne on December 7, The Courier-Mail reports.

A warning light in the cockpit indicated problems with the auxiliary power unit - a small jet in the tail that supplies electricity for various systems when the aircraft is on the ground.

As the engine had been shut down after take-off there was no risk to the aircraft. But when ground handlers opened the cargo hold in Melbourne they were confronted with an angry, distressed dog.

Rebecca [Future Teacher] Jan 23, 2009, 11:11am EST

Yikes...

reply to this comment

Walker Bennett, SF Author Jan 23, 2009, 11:15am EST

Unfortunately, most electrical insulation is soy-based these days. It smells like food and is susceptible to most animals, including rats. I had to have the wiring on my car replaced 3 times due to rats chewing through. A hungry dog would do the same.

reply to this comment

adam w. Jan 23, 2009, 11:26am EST

I hear the wiring does taste like chicken. :.)

reply to this comment

Shannon W Jan 23, 2009, 11:30am EST

Wow! Poor dog.

reply to this comment

Elizabeth (This place IS my Soap Opera) O. Jan 23, 2009, 11:35am EST

That dog must have been PISSED!

reply to this comment

Senetria Gibson Jan 23, 2009, 11:48am EST

Thanks for sharing

reply to this comment

Ashley Prince Jan 23, 2009, 12:23pm EST

Oops. Was it my dog? lol He's already chewed 6 pairs of shoes, two phone chargers, a camera charger, two remotes, a purse, a battery charger, and about twenty of his toys. Maybe it's his brother! ;)

reply to this comment

Col. George W. Jan 23, 2009, 12:42pm EST

It had to be a pup, they will chew anything and everything. We bought a big rawhide chew toy for our Wolfenhauser. She had it eaten in just a few minutes. I'm glad she is over that stage now. She cost us some shoes and things.

reply to this comment