‘Everyone flew forward’: Planes come within metres of collision at Sydney Airport
An investigation has been launched after a crew member was treated for minor injuries when two planes nearly collided on the tarmac at Sydney Airport this morning.
A Jetstar Airbus A320 destined for the Gold Coast with more than 100 passengers on board was heading to the runway when it came within metres of being hit by a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 using the same intersection about 7.20am on Sunday.
A Jetstar and a Qatar Airways plane came within metres of colliding on the tarmac at Sydney Airport. 9News
The Jetstar pilots hit the brakes, and a flight attendant carrying out final pre-flight checks fell over and was treated for minor injuries to her wrist.
Passengers, none of whom were hurt, described the incident.
“All of a sudden they’ve hit their brakes and our pilot’s hit his brakes and we’ve just come to a dead stop,” Dean said.
“The plane just started to brake and everyone flew forward,” Cassie said.
It’s believed nobody was aboard the Qatar plane, which was being towed by a tug.
But it was damaged, with towing equipment broken so it couldn’t be moved back.
Initially, passengers on board the Jetstar plane were sent an email saying they’d stopped because of a medical emergency before the pilot explained to passengers what happened.
“They didn’t follow instructions, were told to hold short, and we were focusing on crossing a runway,” the pilot announced.
He added: “We need a safety car as I did suggest due to the proximity of the triple seven.”
It’s not yet known what led to the near-collision, but Australia’s national transport safety investigator, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, has launched an investigation.
The ATSB said the Jetstar flight crew saw the mammoth Qatar Airways jet on the crossing taxiway.
“Both aircraft were stopped abruptly. A cabin crew member aboard the A320 was injured, and there was damage to the connection between the 777 nose gear and aircraft tug,” it said.
“The ATSB will collect available data from both aircraft, and air traffic control.
“Investigators will also interview the involved flight crew, tug operators and air traffic controllers, plus other witnesses and involved parties, and collect relevant recorded information including CCTV footage.”
The bureau asked anyone with video to contact them.
In a statement, Jetstar said it was investigating.
“Our aircraft was following instructions by Air Traffic Control when the pilots were forced to brake firmly after another aircraft came in close proximity,” a spokesperson said.
The flight was cancelled and passengers booked on other services to the Gold Coast departing later today.
The flight was cancelled and passengers booked on other services to the Gold Coast departing later today. Nine
Airservices Australia said it was trying to avoid delays, with separate staffing problems also affecting take-offs and landings this week.
“Airservices Australia has enacted Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) measures including departure spacing at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport to safely manage projected airborne and departure demands following a reported safety incident between two aircraft moving on taxiways,” an Airservices Australia spokesperson told nine.com.au.
“We are working with airlines to reduce delays and the impact on passenger travel as much as possible.
“Airservices is reviewing the incident and will assist with any safety investigation.”
Nine.com.au has contacted Qatar Airways for more information.
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