ATSB commences transport safety investigation into Sydney Airport near collision

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has commenced a transport safety investigation into a Sydney Airport near-collision that occurred on Sunday. The incident involved two passenger jets.

As reported to the ATSB, a Jetstar A320 was taxiing prior to a planned flight to Gold Coast Airport when its flight crew observed a Qatar Airways Boeing 777, under tow from an aircraft tug, in close proximity on a crossing taxiway.

Both aircraft were stopped abruptly and a cabin crew member aboard the A320 was injured. There was also damage to the connection between the 777 nose gear and aircraft tug.

“The ATSB will collect available data from both aircraft, and air traffic control,” ATSB said.

“Investigators will also interview the involved flight crew, tug operators and air traffic controllers, plus other witnesses and involved parties, and collect relevant recorded information including CCTV footage.”

If the investigation identifies a critical safety issue at any time, the ATSB said it will immediately inform relevant stakeholders. Anyone with video footage of the occurrence, or its immediate aftermath, is being asked by the ATSB to make contact via the witness form on its website: atsb.gov.au/witness.

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