A Jetstar Airbus A320 flying from Auckland to Christchurch, New Zealand (JQ225) experienced a minor scare on May 31, 2024, when it veered off the runway during landing. Thankfully, the incident resulted in no injuries to passengers or crew.
By Aditya M
Cause of the Incident
Initial reports suggested a steering issue, and an investigation by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) confirmed that one of the aircraft's three hydraulic systems failed. Jetstar Chief Operating Officer, Matt Franzi, explained that this led to the plane veering onto the grass at low speed before returning to the runway and coming to a complete stop.
Passenger Accounts
Passengers reported a seemingly normal approach and landing, but some noticed the engines stopping and the plane veering off the tarmac after touchdown. They were met by emergency vehicles upon disembarking, and some passengers mentioned hearing about a possible hydraulic leak.
Safety Procedures and Investigation
The aircraft was towed to the gate, and all passengers disembarked safely. Jetstar is working with Airbus and relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the hydraulic system failure. The aircraft will remain grounded until it is deemed fully operational again.
Importance of Redundancy in Aircraft Design
This incident highlights the importance of redundancy in aircraft design. Modern airplanes have multiple hydraulic systems to ensure continued control of the aircraft even if one system fails. The pilot's skill and the plane's backup systems likely played a crucial role in bringing the Jetstar A320 to a safe stop.
The TAIC is currently gathering evidence, including cockpit voice recordings, flight data, and airport CCTV footage, to determine the exact cause of the hydraulic system failure. Their investigation will help to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Commendable Response
Despite the scare, the Jetstar crew and emergency personnel handled the situation professionally, ensuring the safety of everyone onboard.
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