Qatar Airways has launched an investigation after a Boeing 787 Dreamliner plunged 1,000 feet in 24 seconds in what has been described as a ‘horror near-disaster’.

Reports say the aircraft was ‘moments from crashing into the sea’ in the incident, over the Persian Gulf last month.

Flight QR161 took off from Hamad International Airport, Doha, on 10 January at 2am, bound for Denmark.

Reports say the first officer was flying manually without directions from the automated ‘flight director’ when the plane plunged.

The captain quickly took charge and pulled the aircraft up to 800 feet.

According to reports, the first pilot ‘lost situational awareness’, resulting in a quick descent, which ‘exceeded the flap speed limit’.

Qatar Airways told MailOnline: “Qatar Airways is aware of an event relating to flight QR161 operating Doha to Copenhagen on January 10, 2023.

“It was immediately reported to authorities and an internal investigation is being carried out.

“The airline follows the most stringent standards of safety, training and reporting and is working to address any findings in line with industry norms.”