The ATSB has released its preliminary investigation report.
On the morning of 18 June 2013, a Boeing 737 aircraft, registered VH-YIR and operated by Virgin Australia, was conducting a scheduled passenger service from Brisbane, Queensland to Adelaide, South Australia. On board were six crew members and 85 passengers.
On the same morning, another B737 aircraft, registered VH-VYK and operated by Qantas Airways, was conducting a scheduled passenger service from Sydney, New South Wales, to Adelaide. On board were six crew and 146 passengers.
Due to poor weather in Adelaide, both aircraft were forced to divert to an alternate airport (Mildura, Victoria). This airport was also affected by unforecast poor weather at the time of their arrival.
The ATSBs ongoing investigation will examine the:
provision of information to flight crews from Air traffic services (ATS)
ATS policies and procedures affecting the flights
provision by the operators of information to the respective flight crews
the basis for the sequencing of the aircraft landings at Mildura
Bureau of Meteorology meteorological services and products as they applied to these flights
accuracy of aviation meteorological products in Australia.
Investigation: AO-2013-100 - Weather related operational event involving B737s VH-YIR and VH-VYK at Mildura Airport, Victoria on 18 June 2013