Serious Incident – de Havilland Canada DHC-8-315Q at Mildura Airport, Victoria, Australia – February 24, 2025

Date:
Monday, February 24, 2025

Time:
19:36 UTC (Local Time: 06:36 AEDT)

Type of Aircraft:
de Havilland Canada DHC-8-315Q

Owner/Operator:
QantasLink, operated by Eastern Australia Airlines

Registration:
VH-TQM

MSN:
604

Year of Manufacture:
2004

Engine Model:
P&W Canada PW123E

Fatalities:
0 / Occupants: Not specified

Other Fatalities:
0

Aircraft Damage:
Minor

Location:
Mildura Airport, VIC (MQL/YMIA) – Australia

Phase:
Takeoff

Nature:
Passenger – Scheduled

Departure Airport:
Mildura Airport, VIC (MQL/YMIA)

Destination Airport:
Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport, VIC (MEL/YMML)

Confidence Rating:
Information verified through data from accident investigation authorities (ATSB)

Circumstances:

On February 24, 2025, QantasLink flight QF2077, a de Havilland Canada DHC-8-315Q, was involved in a serious incident during takeoff from runway 09 at Mildura Airport in Victoria, Australia. The aircraft, operated by Eastern Australia Airlines, was conducting a scheduled passenger flight from Mildura to Melbourne-Tullamarine.

Just prior to the start of the takeoff roll, the aircraft was inadvertently aligned with the edge lights of runway 09 instead of the runway centerline. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft struck and damaged multiple runway edge lights. Once the flight crew identified the misalignment, they promptly realigned the aircraft with the centerline and continued the takeoff procedure.

Upon arrival at Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport, it was discovered that the aircraft had sustained minor damage, likely to the landing gear or lower fuselage, as a result of striking the edge lights. There were no injuries reported among the passengers or crew, and the flight landed safely.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has classified the event as a serious incident and initiated an investigation. The preliminary report (Report Number: AO-2025-008) highlights the importance of proper alignment during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff. Investigators will examine factors including cockpit procedures, runway markings, lighting systems, and potential human factors that may have contributed to the misalignment.

This incident underscores the need for rigorous adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and situational awareness during high-workload phases of flight. It also emphasizes the importance of airport infrastructure, such as clear runway markings and lighting, in supporting safe operations.