A safety investigation is underway after a near collision involving a Jetstar Airbus A320 and a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 at Sydney Airport on Friday. A Jetstar crew member was injured when the aircraft stopped suddenly, while the incident also caused flight delays at the airport.
What Happened At Sydney Airport?
The Jetstar A320 was taxiing for a flight to the Gold Coast when its crew saw the Qatar Airways Boeing 777 being towed across a nearby taxiway. According to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), both aircraft stopped abruptly after coming into close proximity. The sudden stop injured a cabin crew member aboard the Jetstar aircraft and damaged the connection between the Qatar Airways aircraft’s nose gear and the aircraft tug.
What Is The ATSB Investigating?
The ATSB has launched an investigation into the incident and is collecting information from both aircraft, air traffic control and the tug operators. Investigators are also seeking witnesses who may have recorded the incident and have asked people at Sydney Airport to provide any relevant video footage.
What Did Jetstar Say About The Incident?
Jetstar said its aircraft was following air traffic control instructions when the pilots were forced to brake after another aircraft came into close proximity. A crew member who was moving through the cabin was injured during the sudden stop and was later treated by paramedics. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said preliminary information suggested the tug towing the Qatar Airways aircraft may not have followed air traffic control instructions. Qatar Airways had not immediately commented on the incident.
Airservices Australia said flights at Sydney Airport were experiencing delays following the incident.
