Jetstar Airbus A320 Veers Off Runway at Christchurch Airport Due to Hydraulic Failure
A Jetstar Airways flight from Auckland to Christchurch encountered a hydraulic issue on arrival, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway. Fortunately, no passengers were harmed in the incident, but the runway was closed for three hours, leading to delays in several corresponding services.
The incident occurred during flight JQ225, a domestic route from Auckland (AKL) to Christchurch (CHC). Passengers onboard reported hearing strange noises coming from the right engine before the aircraft slid off the runway. Diana Clement, a passenger, recounted her experience, noting the unusual sounds and the aircraft swerving onto the grass, eventually ending up at a 45-degree angle across the runway.
Multiple reports confirmed that passengers heard noises midflight, and upon descent into Christchurch, the aircraft began veering as it touched down. Jetstar issued a statement explaining that the aircraft experienced a steering issue, causing it to veer at low speed and end up on the grass. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAC) is currently investigating the incident.
Jetstar stated, "After landing in Christchurch, the aircraft experienced a steering issue, causing it to veer on the runway at low speed and onto the grass. There were no injuries to passengers or crew. The aircraft was towed to the gate and all passengers disembarked. We're working with Airbus and relevant authorities to investigate what happened. We understand this may have been a difficult experience for our customers and we thank everyone onboard for their cooperation."
The runway closure resulted in the cancellation of Friday morning flights for three hours, with normal operations resuming by 10:40 AM. The aircraft, a 12-year-old Airbus A320-200, suffered minor damage and was towed to the apron for further investigation. This particular aircraft had previously operated a rotation to Rarotonga without any signs of hydraulic malfunction.
Data from Flightradar24 indicates that the Airbus A320-200, registered as MSN 5039, has remained in Christchurch since the incident. The plane, powered by two IAE V2527-A5 engines, was delivered to Jetstar in March 2012.