The ATSB has issued a safety recommendation about potential engine problems in some Airbus A380 aircraft. The safety recommendation identifies a potential manufacturing defect with an oil tube connection to the high-pressure (HP)/intermediate-pressure (IP) bearing structure of the Trent 900 engine installed in some A380 aircraft. The problem relates to the potential for misaligned oil pipe counter-boring, which could lead to fatigue cracking, oil leakage and potential engine failure from an oil fire within the HP/IP bearing buffer space. In response to the recommendation Rolls Royce, affected…

In a preliminary investigation report released today, the ATSB outlines safety actions that have already been taken in response to an uncontained engine failure on board a Qantas A380 aircraft over Batam Island, Indonesia on 4 November 2010. "The investigation highlights Australian and international cooperation in the interests of aviation safety," said the ATSB's Chief Commissioner, Martin Dolan. "The ATSB is the lead investigator, but many others are involved, and their cooperation has been essential". "We're still in the early stages of investigation…

An electrical systems failure onboard a Boeing 747 aircraft near Bangkok, Thailand has prompted extensive safety actions from Qantas, Boeing and the US Federal Aviation Administration. On 7 January 2008, the aircraft lost electrical power to many of its onboard systems as a result of overflowing drain water entering generator control units that control the distribution of electrical power. In response to the event and the ATSB investigation, Qantas, Boeing and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have implemented a number of safety actions to prevent a recurrence. These actions…

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) will undertake a systemic safety investigation into Queensland's coastal pilotage operations. This follows the ATSB's investigation into the 7 February 2009 grounding of the tanker Atlantic Blue in the Torres Strait. ATSB Chief Commissioner, Mr Martin Dolan, said the ATSB decided to conduct this broader safety investigation to address information that came to light during the Atlantic Blue investigation as well as earlier, similar investigations. "The Atlantic Blue investigation is one in a number of cases where we received…

The Papua New Guinea Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) has distributed to directly involved parties a draft report of its investigation into the accident that occurred near Kokoda, Papua New Guinea on 11 August 2009. Directly involved parties are those who were directly involved in the accident or who may have influenced the circumstances that led to it. Those parties have until 23 January 2011 to comment on the factual accuracy of the report and to provide additional evidence in support of any comments. The AIC…

On Friday 3 December 2010, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) will hold a media briefing to accompany the release of its preliminary factual investigation report into the 4 November 2010 engine failure onboard Qantas Flight QF32 over Batam Island, Indonesia. ATSB Chief Commissioner Mr Martin Dolan will present the facts gathered from the investigation to date and highlight the key safety actions relevant parties have taken to prevent a recurrence.Where: 62 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City, ACT(ATSB Central Office)Time: 10.30am (AEDT), Friday 3…

The ATSB today released its preliminary investigation report into the 30 August 2010 incident involving an Australian operated Boeing 747 aircraft that experienced an engine failure not long after leaving San Francisco, en route to Sydney. The preliminary report reveals the number 4 (right most) engine sustained an internal mechanical failure in the turbine area, rupturing the casing and ejecting debris that punctured a hole in the cowling. The plane's flaps and wing skin also incurred minor damage. The initial ATSB…

A team of four ATSB investigators has commenced the investigation into the occurrence involving a QANTAS A380 aircraft that sustained an engine failure shortly after departing Singapore yesterday, en route to Australia. The investigators arrived in Singapore overnight and commenced examining the aircraft this afternoon. Speaking today in Canberra at a media conference, Mr Ian Sangston, General Manager Aviation Safety Investigations, said "an investigation of this complexity can take up to a year to complete. However, should any critical safety issues emerge, the ATSB will immediately bring…

A booklet released today by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) reminds pilots of their responsibilities and the precautions they need to observe around aerodromes which do not have air traffic control towers. "Generally, operations at non-towered aerodromes can be considered to be safe," said Martin Dolan, the Chief Commissioner of the ATSB. "Continued safety relies on all pilots maintaining awareness of their surroundings and of other aircraft, and on their flying in compliance with procedures, while being observant, courteous and cooperative." Because Australia's population is…

On Monday 22 November, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) will hold a media briefing to accompany the release of its final investigation report into the 25 July 2008 occurrence onboard Qantas Flight QF30. The occurrence involved an oxygen cylinder rupture 55 minutes into a flight from Hong Kong to Melbourne. ATSB Chief Commissioner Mr Martin Dolan will outline the investigation process and provide insight into the findings of the investigation. Where: 62 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City, ACT(ATSB Central Office) Time:…