A Jetstar aircraft with a history of engine issues is at the centre of a safety investigation after it lost steering shortly after landing. One of New Zealand’s busiest runways was briefly closed this morning after Jetstar Flight 225 swerved off the tarmac at Christchurch Airport. The plane, an A320 originating in Auckland, “swerved” off the runway bringing operations to a halt at 7.
45am. Several flights were diverted before the runway - the country’s second busiest - could be partially opened, including SQ297 from Singapore which was diverted to Auckland due to the “excursion” event. Runway Excursions - the term for aircraft leaving the tarmac - are caused by a variety of reasons, according to the New Zealand CAA, from pilot error to mechanical failures.
Local runway safety teams are required to have a plan and trained to deal quickly with planes leaving the runway. “While New Zealand has had no fatal runway excursion incidents, the high number of international accidents demands a proactive approach to manage the risk,” says the NZ CAA’s guidance. By 9.
15am the runway safety team opened the crosswind runway - a shorter landing strip for weather events - to some aircraft. By midday the main runway was cleared to handle planes. The CAA and Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority were aware of the incident this morning and were making inquiries.
In an update, Christchurch Airport said the main runway was open. “Police have confirmed there were no injuries.
