Summary
The aircraft was observed to become airborne from runway 33 and then to lose altitude with the landing gear extended. The descent was continued, causing concern to the tower controller who activated the crash alarm. After the crew were asked and had confirmed that operations were normal the aircraft landing gear was retracted, and it began to climb.
The investigation found that the flaps had been retracted at the time when the landing gear is normally retracted. Neither pilot had any recollection of making the selection, nor were they aware that the flaps were retracting, until after the stall warning activated during the climb after take-off.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199704041 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 11/12/1997 |
| Location | 1 km NNW Cairns, Aero. |
| State | Queensland |
| Report release date | 15/08/1999 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Incorrect configuration |
| Occurrence class | Incident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | British Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Model | BAe 146 |
| Registration | VH-NJL |
| Serial number | E3213 |
| Sector | Jet |
| Operation type | Air Transport High Capacity |
| Departure point | Cairns, QLD |
| Destination | Ayers Rock, NT |
| Damage | Nil |