Incident Overview
On January 10th, 2025, a Network Aviation Australia Fokker 100, registration VH-NHP, operating flight QF-1613 on behalf of Qantas from Geraldton to Perth, experienced vibrations on the left-hand side during the climb. The crew stopped the climb at FL190 and decided to return to Geraldton for a safe landing on runway 21 approximately 55 minutes after departure.
Sequence of Events
1. Departure from Geraldton (YGFN):
• The flight departed Geraldton’s runway 21 for Perth as scheduled.
2. In-Flight Issue:
• During the climb to FL190, passengers and crew experienced noticeable vibrations emanating from the left side of the aircraft.
• The captain made an onboard announcement addressing the vibrations and assuring passengers of the crew’s response.
3. Decision to Return:
• Following standard operating procedures, the crew elected to abort the flight, maintaining a safe altitude and returning to Geraldton.
• The aircraft landed uneventfully back on runway 21.
4. Post-Landing Inspection:
• Initial assessments suggested a minor technical fault, though the aircraft was grounded for further examination.
Passenger Impact
• No injuries or medical issues were reported.
• Passengers were accommodated and rebooked onto alternative flights.
Technical Analysis
1. Possible Causes of Vibrations:
• Imbalance in the left-hand engine or its fan blades.
• Structural anomaly, such as a loose panel or worn-out components near the wing or engine housing.
• Issues with landing gear retraction or hydraulic systems.
2. Immediate Crew Action:
• Decision to stop the climb and return to the departure airport was appropriate, mitigating potential risks associated with unidentified vibrations.
3. Aircraft Status:
• The Fokker 100 remained grounded in Geraldton for detailed maintenance and investigation.
Safety Measures and Recommendations
1. Detailed Inspection:
• Comprehensive analysis of the left engine, nacelle, and surrounding components to identify the source of the vibrations.
• Check for potential structural damage or anomalies in the wing or hydraulic systems.
2. Fleet-Wide Monitoring:
• Conduct targeted checks on other Fokker 100 aircraft within the fleet for early detection of similar issues.
3. Passenger Communication:
• Enhance communication strategies to provide timely updates and reassurance during in-flight technical incidents.
Conclusion
The rapid decision-making and professional actions of the crew ensured the safety of passengers and crew during this incident. The source of the vibrations remains under investigation, with findings expected to guide any required corrective actions.
Disclaimer:
This report is based on the available information as of January 10, 2025. Details may be updated following further investigations. If you are the rightful owner of referenced materials or wish to raise concerns, contact takedown@cockpitking.com.