Summary
The ATSB is investigating an aircraft preparation event involving an Airbus A320, VH-VFD, at Townsville Airport, Queensland, on 5 September 2026. The aircraft was operating as Jetstar flight JQ905, scheduled from Townsville to Brisbane, Queensland.
At the commencement of take-off, the crew identified a performance calculation error, and the take-off was rejected.
The evidence collection phase of the investigation will involve interviewing the flight crew, retrieving and reviewing recorded data, and the collection of other relevant information.
A 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.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | AO-2026-096 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 05/09/2026 |
| Occurrence time and timezone | 0930 Australian Eastern Standard Time |
| Location | Townsville Airport |
| State | Queensland |
| Report status | Pending |
| Anticipated completion | Q1 2027 |
| Investigation level | Short |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation phase | Evidence collection |
| Investigation status | Active |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Aircraft preparation, Rejected take-off |
| Occurrence class | Serious Incident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Airbus |
|---|---|
| Model | A320-232 |
| Registration | VH-VFD |
| Serial number | 4922 |
| Aircraft operator | Jetstar Airways Pty Limited |
| Sector | Jet |
| Operation type | Part 121 Air transport operations - larger aeroplanes |
| Activity | Commercial air transport-Scheduled-Domestic |
| Departure point | Townsville Airport, Queensland |
| Destination | Brisbane Airport, Queensland |
| Injuries | None |
| Damage | Nil |