Report intended to reassure, says Minister

Press, 13 April 1978, Page 7

Report intended to reassure, says Minister

PA Wellington The tyre of an Air New Zealand Boeing 737 burst during take-off at Auckland Airport on April 1 after a 6ft steel rod used for securing freight cages wrapped itself round the axle, according to a report on the incident bv the Civil Aviation Division of the Minstry of Transport. The Mnister of Transport (Mr McLachlan), who released details of the report said he was confident that knowledge of the facts of the incident would serve to reassure the travelling public. The report said that the starboard outer tyre on the main undercarriage of the plane burst during take-off just before it became airborne. “There had been no prior indication of anything untoward. After confirmation by the control tower, the aircraft landed back normally,” the report said.

The cause of the incident was found to be a freight bar ! which had wrapped round the 'axle. The freight bar is a steel rod, 6ft long and Ain in diameter and with hooked ends, and is used occasionally for securing the freight cages used for transferring freight and mail between aircraft and the freight shed. “The bars are of indistinctive finish and would not contrast significantly with the 'surface of the parking apron,” the report said.

! ■ The loading staff concerned weie certain that no freight bars were used when loading 'the flight in question, it said. ! “The undercarriage and ! surrounding area were inspected critically, as is routine by the first officer and' by two engineers, all at seplarate times during loading' iand before engine start. Thew are all satisfied that there was no freight bar on the: starboard undercarriage or in the vicinity of the aircraft.”' The report said it had not] been possible to determine! when or where the aircraft ! picked up the freight bar but lit seemed it must have been! j after departure from the gate.. .“Most personnel working with aircraft are conscious of 'the hazard of foreign objjects,” said the report. “The japron area is swept daily and ja magnetic pick-up vehicle] 'is used every four to six months,” the report said. After the incident, freight' bars at Auckland were

painted white and ringed with red reflector tape before being' allowed on the apron. “The airline station manager has also instituted an apron inspection at first light each morning.” The report said that further consideration was being given ito either dispensing with freight bars altogether or 'securing them permanently to 'the freight cages.