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The ATSB is investigating after a QantasLink Dash 8 collided with runway lights on takeoff at Mildura last month.
The Dash 8-300, VH-TQM (pictured in 2012), ran through approximately seven lights at the edge of the runway as it took off in the early hours of 25 February bound for Melbourne, the safety watchdog said.
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“Just prior to first light, the aircraft was inadvertently lined up with the edge lights for runway 09 rather than the runway centreline. During the take-off roll the aircraft struck and damaged multiple runway edge lights,” the ATSB wrote.
“Once the flight crew identified their incorrect position, they realigned the aircraft with the centreline and continued the take-off. On arrival in Melbourne, it was identified that the aircraft had sustained minor damage.”
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the captain had since tested positive for a medication for which they did not have a prescription.
Qantas says both pilots involved have been stood down pending investigations.
“QantasLink is investigating an incident at Mildura Airport last month and is supporting the ATSB and CASA as they conduct their own investigations,” a spokesperson said.
The ATSB expects to release a preliminary report within around six weeks, with the final report to come in the third quarter of this year.
“The evidence collection phase of the investigation will involve interviewing flight crew, retrieving and reviewing recorded data, a review of maintenance records and the collection of other relevant information,” the ATSB said.
“A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.”
QantasLink is phasing its Q300s and Q200s out of service as it transitions its turboprops to an all-Q400 fleet, bringing QantasLink’s total stable of Q400s to 45. Each will have 78 seats, compared to 74 for QantasLink’s existing Q400s, 50 on its Q300s and 36 on its Q200s.
The Q400s, sourced from an unnamed international carrier, began entering service from the end of last year, with the first – VH-84A – taking flight in December.
