A Jetstar flight encountered a harrowing landing incident at Christchurch Airport, skidding off and then back onto the runway before coming to a stop.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:45 am on Friday.
Freelance journalist Diana Clement, who was on board Flight JQ225, described the landing to state media as particularly alarming. “The plane veered off the runway onto the grass and then made a violent correction back onto the runway, finally stopping across it.”
She told the Morning Report that the crew attributed the mishap to a hydraulic leak on the aircraft’s right side, leaving passengers feeling unnerved.
Clement noted that the flight from Melbourne had otherwise seemed normal, although some passengers did report hearing strange noises as the aircraft passed over New Plymouth and again during the landing sequence.
Jetstar has confirmed a steering issue at a low speed was responsible for the aircraft’s erratic behaviour on the runway. Meanwhile, Christchurch Airport authorities have temporarily closed the runways to incoming flights, resulting in numerous cancellations and delays for domestic and international routes, including flights from Tauranga, Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, Palmerston North, and Singapore. The airport has advised travellers to consult its website for the latest updates.
Passenger Karin Small told state media that she was unaware of any issues until the plane’s tumultuous landing. “It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The aircraft skidded out, then briefly became airborne again before landing on the grass. Emergency responders were quick to arrive at the scene,” she said.
Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries. Emergency services promptly attended the scene, and the aircraft was later towed to the gate for passengers to disembark.
Image credit: Josh Withers
Don’t we just love that ‘Fly-By-Wire’ system, and the stray voltages that results in un-commanded inputs to the hydraulic actuators?????????????