PERTH- Flag carrier of Australia, Qantas Airways (QF) flight QF6 from Rome Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Perth International Airport (PER) operated using Boeing 787 was damaged during takeoff.
According to images and information shared by X users, the tyre tread damaged the aircraft structure. The incident occurred on August 24, 2024 (Saturday).
Qantas 787 Grounded at Perth
According to Flight Radar 24 data, Qantas flight QF6 took off from Rome at 2:23 PM UTC. After being airborne for 15 hours and 22 minutes and covering 13,354 KM of distance it landed at Perth at 5:42 AM UTC.
Qantas has responded to our article with correct information and here’s the set of info provided by them:
- During takeoff in Rome, the tread separated from one of our Dreamliner’s tyres damaging the lower right wing of the aircraft.
- The tyre remained inflated and the flight operated as normal with no impact on systems or safety. Pilots, crew, and passengers were unaware of the incident.
- The aircraft landed in Perth normally, and the damage was identified by engineers conducting their walk-around on arrival.
- The aircraft will be ferried to Sydney or Melbourne for further inspection and repairs before returning to service.
- Last night’s onward Perth to Sydney sector was canceled and passengers were reaccommodated on other services within 4 hours. One other return international service has also been canceled.
Also, Qantas spokesperson added:
We apologise to passengers for the inconvenience and thank them for their understanding.”
Qantas Spokeperson
Following the incident, the airline could not continue its second leg of the flight to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD). The flight from Perth to Sydney was canceled.
The aircraft involved in the incident is a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered as VH-ZNC. It is a 6.6-year-old aircraft and is named Quokka after a small macropod found in the Southwestern region of Australia. It is powered by two GEnX engines.
According to the flight schedule, the aircraft exclusively operates flights on the Sydney-Perth-Rome route. Now it is being replaced by another 787-9, registered as VH-ZND.
As of August 2024, Qantas serves three European cities i.e., London, Paris, and Rome.
Similar Incident
Last year in July, An Emirates (EK) Airbus A380, operating flight EK39 from Dubai (DXB) to Birmingham, experienced a potential tire burst upon landing at Birmingham Airport (BHX). The incident prompted an immediate response from emergency services.
The aircraft, arriving from Dubai International Airport (DXB), touched down at BHX under close scrutiny. Further, the Social media videos captured the A380’s approach and subsequent landing, drawing attention to the unfolding situation.
Emergency responders swiftly mobilized, with light emergency vehicles meeting the aircraft on the taxiway.
Despite the incident, the A380 successfully cleared the taxiway, allowing Birmingham Airport to maintain normal operations.
The aircraft involved in the incident was Emirates Airbus A380-842, registered as A6-EUY. Further, it is now a 7.3-year-old aircraft; Airbus delivered it in Aug 2017.
What would have caused Qantas 787’s tire blowout incident? Can it be debris on the Runway or a heavy landing? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.
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The post Qantas 787 Sustained Damage during Takeoff from Rome Airport appeared first on Aviation A2Z.