A Jetstar flight from Melbourne that was forced to turn around after suffering damage was operated by a cadet pilot on their first take-off, an investigation has found.
The incident occurred on-board a Hobart-bound flight in May 2016 that was carrying 134 passengers, according to News.com.au.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau released the results of their investigation into the matter Monday, which showed the plane had suffered a tail strike.
A Jetstar flight from Melbourne that was forced to turn around in 2016 after suffering damage was operated by a cadet pilot on their first take-off, an investigation has found
According to the report, the Airbus A320’s tail was damaged after contacting the runway surface during take-off, as a result of the cadet pilot’s actions.
‘The ATSB found that during rotation, the cadet pilot applied a larger than normal sidestick pitch input resulting in a higher than normal pitch rate,’ the statement said.
‘The tail of the aircraft contacted the runway surface resulting in damage.’
The crew, including a training captain and first officer, were also found to have failed to advise Air Traffic Control of the strike.
Instead, the captain had believed it ‘unlikely to have happened’ and it was the cabin crew that alerted the captain to unusual noises that saw the pilot elect to return to Melbourne.
‘Good communication from the cabin crew alerted the flight crew that a tail strike may have occurred,’ the report stated.
The incident occurred on-board a Hobart-bound flight in May 2016 that was carrying 134 passengers with an investigation into the matter showing the plane suffered a tail strike
The report included findings from crew interviews, maintenance documents and flight recorders and emphasised the failure of the flight crew to report the problem
The report included findings from crew interviews, maintenance documents and flight recorders and emphasised the failure of the flight crew to report the problem.
It stated that Air Traffic Controllers should have been notified as soon as possible so as to isolate the runway for inspection and removal of debris.
The aircraft had also reportedly hit ‘about six birds’ during take-off but landed without incident and was inspected.
The cadet pilot, who had been undertaking their first take-off as pilot flying, was licensed and qualified to fly an A320, having recorded at least 20 hours on a simulator.
Jetstar told Daily Mail Australia that the pilot involved was ‘taken off flying duties’ while he underwent additional training.
He had successfully passed this training and had ‘returned to flying and operate since without further incident’.
‘The experienced Captain and trainer pilot handled this extremely well and with the help of cabin crew ensured the aircraft returned to Melbourne Airport without further incident,’ a spokesperson said.