Aviation safety investigations & reports
Operational event - VH-VQZ, Gold Coast aerodrome, 30 May 2010
AO-2010-037
Summary
On 30 May 2010, an Airbus Industrie A320-232 aircraft, registered VH-VQZ, departed Sydney, New South Wales (NSW) on a scheduled passenger service to the Gold Coast, Queensland (Qld). The copilot, who was under training, was designated as the pilot flying for the flight.
The aircraft arrived at the Gold Coast and an instrument approach was commenced. During the landing, the flare was initiated early and the aircraft floated along the runway. The pilot in command (PIC) instructed the copilot to lower the nose of the aircraft; however, the aircraft appeared to maintain a level pitch attitude. The PIC determined that the landing could not be achieved and assumed control of the aircraft. The PIC initiated a go around, during which time the aircraft's main landing gear momentarily contacted the runway. The missed approach procedure was commenced and a second approach was made without further incident.
The failure to identify, or execute a go around/missed approach procedure has been cited by the Flight Safety Foundation as one of the major causes of approach-and-landing accidents. This incident highlights the importance of recognising when a go around should be initiated and supports the safety benefits of being 'go-around-prepared' and 'go-around-minded'.
General details
| Date: | 30 May 2010 | Investigation status: | Completed | ||
| Time: | 1820 EST | Investigation level: | Short - click for an explanation of investigation levels | ||
| Location (show map): | Gold Coast aerodrome | ||||
| State: | Queensland | Occurrence type: | Control - Other | ||
| Release date: | 14 October 2010 | Occurrence category: | Incident | ||
| Report status: | Final | Highest injury level: | None |
Aircraft details
| Aircraft manufacturer | Airbus Industrie | |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft model | A320 | |
| Aircraft registration | VH-VQZ | |
| Serial number | 2292 | |
| Type of operation | Air Transport High Capacity | |
| Damage to aircraft | Nil | |
| Departure point | Sydney NSW | |
| Destination | Gold Coast Qld |


