Media Release
2008/38
Qantas Airbus Incident
07 October 2008
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has been notified
of an incident involving a Qantas Airbus A330 aircraft on a flight
from Singapore to Perth. While cruising in level flight, the
aircraft experienced a sudden in-flight upset, resulting in
injuries to a number of cabin crew and passengers, primarily in the
rear of the aircraft.
The crew declared a MAYDAY and diverted the aircraft to
Learmonth, near Exmouth in WA, where it landed without further
incident.
Early reports indicate that three cabin crew and approximately
30 passengers sustained injuries, including about 15 with serious
injuries, namely broken bones and lacerations.
The ATSB has initiated a safety investigation and is making
arrangements for investigators to travel to Learmonth as soon as
possible.
Media Contact: George Nadal: 1800 020 616