Misaligned take-off involving Bombardier DHC-8-315, VH-TQM, Mildura Airport, Victoria, on 25 February 2025

The ATSB is investigating a misaligned take-off involving a Bombardier Inc DHC-8-315, registered VH-TQM, at Mildura Airport, Victoria, on 25 February 2025.

Just prior to first light, the aircraft was inadvertently lined up with the edge lights for runway 09 rather than the runway centreline. During the take-off roll the aircraft struck and damaged multiple runway edge lights. Once the flight crew identified their incorrect position, they realigned the aircraft with the centreline and continued the take-off. On arrival in Melbourne, it was identified that the aircraft had sustained minor damage.

The draft report internal review process has been completed. The draft report has been distributed to directly involved parties (DIPs) to check factual accuracy and ensure natural justice. Any submissions from those parties will be reviewed and, where considered appropriate, the draft report will be amended accordingly.

Following the external review process, any submissions and amendments to the draft report are internally reviewed. Once approved, the final report is prepared for publication and dissemination and released to DIPs prior to its public release.

The final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.