Aviation safety investigations & reports
Flight preparation event involving an Airbus A350-941 registered 9V-SHH, at Brisbane Airport, Queensland, on 27 May 2022
AO-2022-032

Summary
The ATSB is investigating the flight preparation event involving an Airbus A350-941, registered 9V-SHH, at Brisbane Airport, Queensland on 27 May 2022.
At about 0915 Eastern Standard Time, the aircraft was in the final stages of being prepared for departure from bay 81. All turnaround service functions had been completed, all passengers had boarded, all doors were closed, and the aerobridge was in the process of being retracted from the aircraft.
An aviation refueller on an adjacent bay observed that the aircraft appeared to be ready to push back, but the pitot covers were still fitted. The refueller communicated with one of the engineers responsible for the aircraft that the pitot covers were still fitted. With three minutes remaining until the normal departure time, the engineer positioned an elevated work platform towards the nose of the aircraft and removed the covers, before the pushback commenced.
As part of the investigation, the ATSB will examine the circumstances leading to this flight preparation event, including interviewing the relevant parties involved, analysing the CCTV footage and assessing the risk controls relevant to the fitment and removal of the pitot covers.
Should a critical safety issue be identified at any time during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify operators and regulators so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken.
A final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.
General details
Date: | 27 May 2022 | Investigation status: | Active | ||
Time: | 0915 AEST | Investigation level: | Short - click for an explanation of investigation levels | ||
Location (show map): | Brisbane Airport | Investigation phase: | Evidence collection | ||
State: | Queensland | Occurrence type: | Aircraft preparation | ||
Occurrence category: | Incident | ||||
Report status: | Pending | Highest injury level: | None | ||
Anticipated completion: | 4th Quarter 2022 |
Aircraft details
Aircraft manufacturer | Airbus | |
---|---|---|
Aircraft model | 350-941 | |
Aircraft registration | 9V-SHH | |
Serial number | 316 | |
Operator | Singapore Airlines | |
Type of operation | Air Transport High Capacity | |
Sector | Jet | |
Damage to aircraft | Nil | |
Departure point | Brisbane Airport, Queensland | |
Destination | Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore |