The Air New Zealand flight from Melbourne landing amid heavy rain and low visibility. Photo: Supplied/Transport Accident Investigation Commission
A late switch from autopilot and heavy rain likely contributed to a plane veering off the runway after landing at Auckland Airport in 2023, a new report has found.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has released its report into the Air New Zealand passenger jet that veered off a runway, damaging runway lights and its landing gear, during the Auckland anniversary weekend weather event.
The Air New Zealand plane was on a scheduled flight from Melbourne to Auckland when it encountered heavy rain and changing wind conditions.
The aeroplane began to drift right of the centreline as it approached the runway, and as it landed, veered off the runway onto a sealed shoulder, hitting runway edge lights.
The pilot regained control and taxied to the gate.
There were no injuries.
An inspection revealed five of the six right landing gear tyres were damaged and one had deflated, as well as damage to the right brake assembly and wiring harness.
The Boeing 777's right-hand landing gear with its deflated tyre. Photo: Supplied/Transport Accident Investigation Commission
The report found the Boeing 777 jet likely veered off the runway due to a late transition from autopilot to manual control.
TAIC said the heavy rain likely contributed to the decision to disengage the autopilot low in the approach.
This, combined with the flight technique used by the pilot, "very likely resulted in there being insufficient time to correct the flightpath of the aeroplane before landing".
TAIC reminded airlines to ensure crews know and understand operator and aircraft manuals and procedures and are thoroughly briefed.
Since the incident, Air New Zealand has amended its operational procedures and information and provided training to reinforce the technique for smooth transition from autopilot to manual control, TAIC Chief Investigator of Accidents Naveen Kozhuppakalam said.
"TAIC welcomes the safety actions taken by the operator and is making no new recommendations," Kozhuppakalam said.
