REX off the Runway at Mt Gambier
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Earth
Age: 39
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
REX off the Runway at Mt Gambier
Bugger
Plane skids off the runway - ABC South East SA - Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Plane skids off the runway - ABC South East SA - Australian Broadcasting Corporation
An investigation is underway into what caused an aircraft to skid off the runway at the Mount Gambier Airport.
The Regional Express (REX) flight from Adelaide into Mount Gambier became bogged at the southern end of the tarmac, at 8.15am.
None of the 31 passengers and three crew members were injured.
Vanessa Puopolo was flying into Mount Gambier for work and says the incident happened quickly.
"We were just coming in to land and it was going quite quickly and then there was a bit of a jolt and we were in the middle of a paddock," Vanessa said.
She says the crew remained calm, reassuring the passengers that it wasn't an everday occurrence and they were in no danger.
One witness, who's father was on the plane, was shocked as she watched the plan skid onto the grass.
"We were just sitting there like what is going on?
"It spun to the side and then just stopped," she said.
Passengers believe water on the runway, from early morning showers may have been factor.
Regional Express released a statement saying the landing the crew experienced a pull to the left in the final stages of landing and the aircraft came to a halt partially off the left side of the runway.
Passengers were transported from the aircraft to the terminal by ute, while the aircraft was taken away for checks.
Rex says the aircraft was not damaged.
The incident caused delays to the aircraft schedule, with passengers having their flights delayed for several hours
The Regional Express (REX) flight from Adelaide into Mount Gambier became bogged at the southern end of the tarmac, at 8.15am.
None of the 31 passengers and three crew members were injured.
Vanessa Puopolo was flying into Mount Gambier for work and says the incident happened quickly.
"We were just coming in to land and it was going quite quickly and then there was a bit of a jolt and we were in the middle of a paddock," Vanessa said.
She says the crew remained calm, reassuring the passengers that it wasn't an everday occurrence and they were in no danger.
One witness, who's father was on the plane, was shocked as she watched the plan skid onto the grass.
"We were just sitting there like what is going on?
"It spun to the side and then just stopped," she said.
Passengers believe water on the runway, from early morning showers may have been factor.
Regional Express released a statement saying the landing the crew experienced a pull to the left in the final stages of landing and the aircraft came to a halt partially off the left side of the runway.
Passengers were transported from the aircraft to the terminal by ute, while the aircraft was taken away for checks.
Rex says the aircraft was not damaged.
The incident caused delays to the aircraft schedule, with passengers having their flights delayed for several hours
What, no media release touting the heroic actions of the crew? Rex PR just aint what it used to be... 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: ˙ǝqɐq ǝɯ ʇ,uıɐ ʇɐɥʇ 'sɔıʇɐqoɹǝɐ ɹoɟ uʍop ǝpısdn ǝɯɐu ɹıǝɥʇ ʇnd ǝɯos
Age: 45
Posts: 715
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ooh ooh, can I be first?
"The aircraft involved has two wings, one on either side of the fuselage, not unlike aircraft flown by QANTAS who have experienced their share of mishaps in recent history."
FRQ CB
FRQ CB
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From the ABC website and a photo...
After an hour the plane makes its way back onto the runway. (Danielle Cook)
I just love those planes that can find their own way back onto the runway.
After an hour the plane makes its way back onto the runway. (Danielle Cook)
I just love those planes that can find their own way back onto the runway.
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: SA
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Seriously as per usual the media have a lot to answer for their sensationalist story telling and blowing everything "aviation" out of proportion.
As a witness to the incident, the SAAB appeared to land normally and only in the very final deceleration stage there apeared to be a problem (from a hindsight proint of view) as the aircraft was within 130m of the end of a 1530m runway. The runway was not excessivly wet and the plane did not land long. It did appear on closer inspection the aircraft looked more like it may of had a taxing/turning problem based on where the SAAB's usually turn to backtrack, but I'm sure more information as to the cause will be released in due course.
As to witness saying the aircraft was in the middle of a paddock and trying to dodge a fence etc etc, what a crock, all wheels were in the grass and within 6-8m of the bitumen and the tail still infringed on the bitumen.
Passengers and luggage were transported to the terminal via two airport ops (credit to these guys) dual cab ute's in a very minimal time frame. (Less than 30mins)
So to the media who type before they research properly, use poor witness examples, and generally make up a heap of sh*t, pull your head out of your arses, get the facts, and stop trying to scare the crap out of the general flying public. You are a disgrace.
As a witness to the incident, the SAAB appeared to land normally and only in the very final deceleration stage there apeared to be a problem (from a hindsight proint of view) as the aircraft was within 130m of the end of a 1530m runway. The runway was not excessivly wet and the plane did not land long. It did appear on closer inspection the aircraft looked more like it may of had a taxing/turning problem based on where the SAAB's usually turn to backtrack, but I'm sure more information as to the cause will be released in due course.
As to witness saying the aircraft was in the middle of a paddock and trying to dodge a fence etc etc, what a crock, all wheels were in the grass and within 6-8m of the bitumen and the tail still infringed on the bitumen.
Passengers and luggage were transported to the terminal via two airport ops (credit to these guys) dual cab ute's in a very minimal time frame. (Less than 30mins)
So to the media who type before they research properly, use poor witness examples, and generally make up a heap of sh*t, pull your head out of your arses, get the facts, and stop trying to scare the crap out of the general flying public. You are a disgrace.
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: SA
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes two dual cab utes used. Could not use taxi's as the remaining runways and taxi ways were still active. And you could imaging a handful of gungho taxi drivers trying to mix it with the other aircraft still manouvering around the airport.
The 340 had a similar incident many moons ago "in KD days" at DPO. The aircraft ran off the side of the runway, rather than the end. It was a good result that only pride was injured!
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Devonport Tasmania Australia
Posts: 1,837
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes Karak - and the only thing vaguely amusing about the DPO incident was that the Fireys who had been recently disbanded and redeployed when the unit was closed were having their farewell pissup in the Fire Station when the 340 speared off into a drainage ditch.
Naturally they scrambled out in their own vehicles and on foot and did what they could.
I stand to be corrected but believe the reverse pitch on the starboard engine was U/S and logged as so but the skipper inadvertently engaged it on arrival. Its is apparently a "go withable" unserviceabilty. I am sure the flight would never have departed if it was not.
The good news is that nobody was badly hurt in either incident.
The fireys, who loved their jobs and were a great bunch still have a smile over the prophetic presence after they were told they were not required.
I am sure many of you will remember the guys.
Best all
EWL
Naturally they scrambled out in their own vehicles and on foot and did what they could.
I stand to be corrected but believe the reverse pitch on the starboard engine was U/S and logged as so but the skipper inadvertently engaged it on arrival. Its is apparently a "go withable" unserviceabilty. I am sure the flight would never have departed if it was not.
The good news is that nobody was badly hurt in either incident.
The fireys, who loved their jobs and were a great bunch still have a smile over the prophetic presence after they were told they were not required.
I am sure many of you will remember the guys.
Best all
EWL
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: AusVegas
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not quite Eastwest - they had a propeller malfunction enroute and the pitch mechanism became stuck in a particular pitch setting (a positive blade angle). On landing the Captain selected reverse with only one prop acting as commanded - the result being an uncontrollable swing into a ditch.
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Australia
Age: 77
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I recall having a beer with a friend who had been pax on VH EWL into Bathurst on the previous night (30 May 1974). All 30 passengers and crew walked some 1300 metres from the aircraft to the terminal at YBTH in the dark unharmed after the East West F27 impacted during go around and skidded some 600 metres along the ground beside the runway and through 5 fences leaving behind the starboard engine! The passengers evacuated and waited a few minutes before legging it after realising no help was available. I don't know whether they carried their luggage. The company rep eventually found out what had happened and hired a taxi to go out and meet them. No utes available that night apparently. The report is here and makes interesting reading. Apparently wind shear was a major factor. East West Loco I am sure you can give us some background about this.
197401441
197401441
Last edited by paulg; 8th May 2010 at 10:21. Reason: facts corrected
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Australia
Age: 77
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here is the link to an old PPRuNE thread about EWL at Bathurst. East West Loco's posts make great reading as always.
http://www.pprune.org/dunnunda-godzo...-bathurst.html
http://www.pprune.org/dunnunda-godzo...-bathurst.html
Last edited by paulg; 8th May 2010 at 10:16. Reason: typo
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Devonport Tasmania Australia
Posts: 1,837
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It was before my time with Eeenie Weenie Paul, but I got to know the skipper Frank quite well.
I believe it was the 1st acknowledged incidence of microburst worldwide.
Frank was totally and rightfully exhonorated and he did describe sliding towards a farmhouse with a very wide eyeded open mouthed lady standing at the sink standing motionless watching the approching F27.
I believe the hulk may still be at Bankstown for fire training but may be wrong.
Best all
EWL
I believe it was the 1st acknowledged incidence of microburst worldwide.
Frank was totally and rightfully exhonorated and he did describe sliding towards a farmhouse with a very wide eyeded open mouthed lady standing at the sink standing motionless watching the approching F27.
I believe the hulk may still be at Bankstown for fire training but may be wrong.
Best all
EWL
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: blacksoil country
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jaba,sure has happened in the Dak.Single engine approach and landing at Groote Eyland many many moons ago.Missed the turn off,no choice but to deplane all pax and f/o to push the old girl back to to the taxi way.Either that or have the aerodrome closed for ever.Carefull blipping of the good engine,judicious brake use and tail wheel lock at the right time found us back on the taxi way and off to Bartalumba Bay for a drink.
I believe the hulk may still be at Bankstown for fire training but may be wrong.
The fuselage sat along the fence behind AFTS for many years, and was finally cut up, as I remember. I don't think it was ever used for fire service training, in fact aluminium aeroplanes last about once, compared to some of the weird steel contraptions used, unless the fire is extinguished faster than a "real" fire. Witness the amazing fire "aeroplane" at EGLL.
There have not been any fire services at capital city secondary airports for many years.
Tootle pip!!
Last edited by LeadSled; 11th May 2010 at 08:02.