The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has released an interim factual report into the accident involving the Qantas Airbus A330-303 in-flight upset, 154 km west of Learmonth WA, 7 October 2008. The ATSB's preliminary report, released on 14 November 2008, provided details of the circumstances of the accident, in which the aircraft abruptly pitched nose-down twice while in normal cruise flight. The aircraft (registered VH-QPA) was being operated on a scheduled passenger service (QF72) from Singapore to Perth. At 1240, while cruising at 37,000 ft, the aircraft experienced two significant…

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau was advised on 27 December 2008 of an occurrence that day involving a Qantas Airbus A330-300 aircraft while in cruise at FL360 (36,000 ft) enroute from Perth to Singapore. At about 0829 UTC (1729 Local Time), the autopilot disconnected and the crew received an ECAM message (NAV IR 1 Fault) indicating a problem with ADIRU Number 1. The crew actioned the Airbus Operations Engineering Bulletin (OEB) procedure by selecting the IR 1 push-button to OFF and the ADR 1 push-button to OFF. Both OFF lights illuminated. The crew elected to return to Perth and an…

The ATSB has a team of four investigators at the site of the Beech King Air accident near Normanton in Queensland. The team will be examining the aircraft and its systems. Based on initial information, pilot and passenger incapacitation will also be considered. In June 1999 another Beech King Air was involved in an incident where the cabin pressurisation system did not operate and the pilot became temporarily incapacitated. Although the final report is yet to be released, the ATSB issued interim recommendations on 28 July and 7 October 1999 regarding: a) the fitment of passenger oxygen mask…

The ATSB has a team of four investigators at the site of the Beech King Air accident near Normanton in Queensland. The team will be examining the aircraft and its systems. Based on initial information, pilot and passenger incapacitation will also be considered. In June 1999 another Beech King Air was involved in an incident where the cabin pressurisation system did not operate and the pilot became temporarily incapacitated. Although the final report is yet to be released, the ATSB issued interim recommendations on 28 July and 7 October 1999 regarding: a) the fitment of passenger oxygen mask…

At approx 1150 pm (Eastern Daylight Saving Time) on Monday 4 September, the ATSB was advised by Air Traffic Control that a Beech King Air on a flight from Perth to Leonora had climbed through it's assigned flight level and continued on a NE heading beyond Leonora. Attempts to contact the pilot by radio were unsuccessful. The aircraft with one pilot and 7 passengers had departed Perth at 6.16 pm (Perth Time). It remained airborne for about 5 hours. Wreckage was located 80 NM SW of Normanton in Queensland. An initial team of four ATSB investigators is expected to arrive at the site later today.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau's investigation into the accident involving an Airbus A330-300 aircraft operating as Qantas flight 72 on a flight from Singapore to Perth on 7 October 2008 is progressing well. The ATSB has scheduled the media conference this evening to coincide with the release of an Operators Information Telex/Flight Operations Telex, which is being sent by Airbus to operators of all Airbus aircraft. The aim of that telex is to: update operators on the factors identified to date that led to the accident involving QF72, provide operational recommendations to mitigate…

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau tonight announced that, with great regret and after serious consideration, it is withdrawing Mr Bob Armstrong from the investigation into the Whyalla Airlines accident. The ATSB values deeply its reputation for the highest standards of investigation. Mr Armstrong embodies these standards. The ATSB's regret is that the appearance of a conflict of interest may have been created by unjust claims made in relation to his previous service -- perhaps 100 hours of flight time -- with Whyalla Airlines over the period 1995-97. Mr Armstrong was open and up-front…

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has commenced an investigation into a reported High Profile incident where the crews of an A320 aircraft and a Boeing 767 took evasive action in response to a Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) Resolution Advisory when they were apparently cleared to fly at the same flight level in opposite directions. The ATSB investigation team includes investigators with specialist Air Traffic Control and Human Performance skills. One aspect of the investigation will involve the highly technical Australian Advanced Air Traffic System (TAAATS)…

Last night, 31st May 2000, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) was notified that the crew of a Piper Navajo Chieftain, registered VH-MZK, enroute Adelaide to Whyalla had initiated a distress call indicating engine failure. Reportedly, there were eight persons on board the aircraft. A Royal Australian Air Force aircraft in the area initiated an immediate search for the aircraft. At 6.00am this morning, 1 June 2000, Australian Search and Rescue confirmed with the Bureau that wreckage from the aircraft has been located. The ATSB has dispatched a team of three investigators specialising…

As the wreckage of Whyalla Airlines flight 904 has now been located, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has engaged a South Australian company, which has a vessel with heavy lift capability, to recover the aircraft. Depending on factors such as the weather, it is expected that the salvage operation would commence early on Friday 9 June. Once the wreckage has been transported to a secure site a specialist examination will be undertaken to assist in establishing the airworthiness of the aircraft immediately prior to the accident. In addition, the crashworthiness of the aircraft, and its…