The ATSB is investigating an in-flight upset involving a Boeing 737-8FE, registration VH-YQR, about 143 km west of Ballina/Byron Gateway Airport, New South Wales on 6 September 2023.
Shortly before reaching cruise altitude, the aircraft's rudder trim was inadvertently activated, causing the aircraft to yaw and roll to the left. The pilot flying was controlling the aircraft through the autopilot and attempted to correct the roll through heading inputs. Shortly after, the autopilot was disconnected, and the aircraft returned to normal flight. An E/GPWS BANK ANGLE alert was triggered during the occurrence.
The draft report internal review process has been completed. The draft report has been distributed to directly involved parties (DIPs) to check factual accuracy and ensure natural justice. Any submissions from those parties will be reviewed and, where considered appropriate, the draft report will be amended accordingly.
Following the external review process, any submissions and amendments to the draft report are internally reviewed. Once approved, the final report is prepared for publication and dissemination and released to DIPs prior to its public release.
The final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify the relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.