Summary
The pilot reported that shortly after commencing the take-off roll the Metroliner began tracking to the right of the runway centreline. The crew discontinued the take-off, taxied back to the end of the runway and subsequently completed a normal take-off. In both instances, the nosewheel steering had not been engaged.
The operations department of the company believed that the aircraft had been modified in accordance with a service bulletin that prohibited the use of nose-wheel steering for take-off and landing. A check of documentation following the incident revealed that the modification had not been installed in the aircraft. The correct procedure in this case was for the nosewheel steering to be engaged for take-off.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199906121 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 28/12/1999 |
| Location | Townsville, Aero. |
| State | Queensland |
| Report release date | 04/07/2001 |
| 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 | Fairchild Industries Inc |
|---|---|
| Model | SA227 |
| Registration | VH-CUZ |
| Serial number | AC-610B |
| Sector | Turboprop |
| Operation type | Air Transport Low Capacity |
| Departure point | Townsville, QLD |
| Destination | Mount Isa, QLD |
| Damage | Nil |