Jetstar plane forced to brake suddenly as Qatar Airways aircraft comes dangerously close
A Jetstar plane has narrowly avoided a collision with a Qatar Airways aircraft at Sydney Airport, with the two planes reportedly coming within just 50 metres of each other.
The incident happened about 7am on Sunday as Jetstar flight JQ402 was taxiing for its flight to the Gold Coast, carrying 151 passengers and six crew.
A Sudden Stop
The Airbus A320 was following air traffic control instructions when the crew spotted a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 being towed across a crossing taxiway.
The Jetstar pilots were forced to brake suddenly to avoid the aircraft.
The sudden stop sent a cabin crew member falling. The crew member was treated by paramedics and has reportedly suffered a broken wrist.
No passengers were injured, but the Jetstar flight was cancelled and passengers were rebooked.
What Went Wrong?
The Qatar Airways Boeing 777 was being towed when its towing equipment reportedly failed.
Reports indicate the towbar’s shear pins broke as the aircraft was being moved, with the Qatar aircraft also suffering damage.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is now investigating what happened.
Investigators will examine CCTV, aircraft and air traffic control data, while speaking with the pilots, tug operators and controllers involved.
Two Workers Stood Down
Two workers involved in the incident have been stood down while the investigation continues.
They include an air traffic control ground worker and the tug operator.
Transport Minister Catherine King says the stand-downs are standard procedure for mandatory drug and alcohol testing and do not mean either worker has been found responsible.
Growing Concerns
The near miss comes amid ongoing staffing and rostering problems at Sydney Airport.
More than 150 flights have recently been delayed due to air traffic controller staffing issues, with Airservices Australia acknowledging reduced staffing levels.
It is also the second serious near miss at Sydney Airport in just a few weeks.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has called for urgent recruitment of specialised aviation staff, particularly with Western Sydney International Airport on the horizon.
Transport Minister Catherine King is also seeking answers from Airservices Australia.
For now, investigators are working to establish how two huge passenger aircraft ended up just 50 metres apart on the ground.
