A flight from Shanghai to Guangzhou was delayed after an elderly woman passenger was suspected of throwing coins into the plane's engine to ensure "good luck".
China Southern Airlines Flight 380 was held up at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport after an elderly woman passenger caused a disruption, according to the airline's official WeChat account. An investigation into the incident is under way.
Passengers boarding the flight reportedly saw an elderly woman throwing coins at the engine for "blessings" from the middle of the boarding staircase and alerted the crew.
Ground staff said the woman, who appeared to be about 80 and had limited mobility, was accompanied by her husband, daughter and son-in-law.
Plane mechanics later found nine coins at the site, including one inside the engine.
The captain was quoted as saying the metal, if sucked up by the engine, could have caused serious damage, including failure.
The flight was later given a green light and took off at 5.52pm, more than five hours late. It is scheduled to arrive in Guangzhou at 8.14pm.
Mainland air travellers have been responsible for several safety incidents in recent years, including opening emergency doors and assaulting cabin crew. Beijing has responded by creating a tourist black list, with offenders banned from travel.
A flight from Shanghai to Guangzhou was delayed after an elderly woman passenger was suspected of throwing coins into the plane's engine to ensure "good luck".
Ground staff said the woman, who appeared to be about 80 and had limited mobility, was accompanied by her husband, daughter and son-in-law.
