Aviation safety investigations & reports
Flight control event involving Boeing 737-800, registration VH-YFZ, at Gold Coast Airport, Queensland on 27 April 2022
AO-2022-029

Summary
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating flight control event involving Boeing 737-800, registration VH-YFZ, at Gold Coast Airport, Queensland on 27 April 2022.
During initial climb and again on approach, the crew reported reported an uncommanded roll to the right and cabin crew reported abnormal noise during the climb. The engineering inspection revealed the outboard left flap was skewed to the right. The inspection also found damage to the hardware associated with the flap’s operation, including the inboard program roller and support which had fractured and departed the aircraft.
The evidence collection phase of the investigation will include interviewing the crew, analysing recorded data and examining the relevant components.
A report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation. However, should any critical safety issues be identified at any stage during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate safety action can be taken.
General details
Date: | 27 April 2022 | Investigation status: | Active | ||
Time: | 07:07 AEST | Investigation level: | Short - click for an explanation of investigation levels | ||
Location (show map): | Gold Coast Airport | Investigation phase: | Evidence collection | ||
State: | Queensland | Occurrence type: | Flight control systems | ||
Occurrence category: | Serious Incident | ||||
Report status: | Pending | ||||
Anticipated completion: | 3rd Quarter 2022 |
Aircraft details
Aircraft manufacturer | The Boeing Company | |
---|---|---|
Aircraft model | 737-800 | |
Aircraft registration | VH-YFZ | |
Serial number | 41005 | |
Operator | VIRGIN AUSTRALIA AIRLINES PTY LTD | |
Type of operation | Air Transport High Capacity | |
Sector | Jet | |
Damage to aircraft | Minor | |
Departure point | Gold Coast Airport, Queensland | |
Destination | Sydney Airport, New South Wales |