Date: December 26, 2024
Aircraft Involved:
• Aircraft Type: De Havilland Dash 8-400
• Registration: VH-QOD
• Operator: Sunstate Airlines (operating as QantasLink)
• Flight: QF-2017 (Sydney, NSW to Broken Hill, NSW, Australia)
• Occupants: Unknown
Incident Overview
On December 26, 2024, Sunstate Airlines flight QF-2017, a Dash 8-400 operating for QantasLink, experienced a hard landing on runway 06 at Broken Hill Airport, NSW, amid gale-force winds. Following the hard touchdown, the aircraft executed a go-around due to gear-related issues detected during the landing. The aircraft subsequently entered a holding pattern for approximately 75 minutes while the crew conducted checklists and awaited an improvement in weather conditions.
The aircraft successfully landed on runway 06 on the second attempt, with emergency services on standby. The landing rendered the aircraft immobile on the runway, leading to its closure for several hours.
No injuries were reported among passengers or crew, but the aircraft sustained damage.
Sequence of Events
1. Approach and Initial Landing Attempt:
• The aircraft was approaching Broken Hill’s runway 06 in challenging weather conditions with gale-force winds.
• Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a hard landing, prompting the crew to initiate a go-around.
2. Holding Pattern:
• The crew entered a holding pattern for 75 minutes to troubleshoot gear-related issues and await improved weather conditions.
3. Second Landing:
• The aircraft conducted a second landing on runway 06 with emergency services in position.
• The landing was successful, but the aircraft became disabled on the runway.
4. Post-Incident:
• The runway was closed for several hours as the aircraft remained immobile.
• The airport announced closure for the remainder of the day due to the incident.
Initial Findings
1. Weather Conditions:
• Gale-force winds contributed to the initial hard landing, increasing the difficulty of the approach.
• No official weather data was available for Broken Hill at the time of the incident.
2. Aircraft Damage:
• The hard landing likely caused damage to the landing gear, which necessitated the holding pattern and emergency procedures.
3. Operational Impact:
• The incident led to the closure of Broken Hill Airport for the remainder of the day, impacting subsequent flights and operations.
Airline Statement
Sunstate Airlines reported that the crew identified a gear issue after the hard landing, prompting the go-around. The airline acknowledged that the experience might have been unsettling for passengers but emphasized that the crew acted in the interest of safety.
Recommendations and Lessons Learned
1. Weather Preparedness:
• Enhanced focus on approach and landing procedures in adverse weather conditions.
• Consideration of diversions in case of severe weather, particularly at regional airports with limited resources.
2. Crew Training:
• Additional simulation training for hard landing scenarios and subsequent troubleshooting.
3. Aircraft Inspections:
• Comprehensive post-incident inspections to identify and address potential gear or structural damage.
4. Passenger Communication:
• Improved real-time updates to passengers regarding delays and safety protocols during incidents.
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts we have at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
