Qantas A388 and Qantas A388 over Pacific on Jun 10th 2018, wake turbulence causes altitude deviation

Last Update: June 14, 2018 / 10:31:15 GMT/Zulu time

Bookmark this article
Incident Facts

Date of incident
Jun 10, 2018

Classification
Incident

Airline
Qantas

Flight number
QF-94

Aircraft Registration
VH-OQK

Aircraft Type
Airbus A380-800

ICAO Type Designator
A388

A Qantas Airbus A380-800, registration VH-OQK performing flight QF-94 from Los Angeles,CA (USA) to Melbourne,VI (Australia), was enroute at FL310 over the Pacific Ocean about 2 hours into the flight when the aircraft encountered turbulence causing it to descend for about 10 seconds before the crew recovered the aircraft and returned it to the assigned flight level. The aircraft climbed to FL320 shortly afterwards and continued to Melbourne for a safe landing without further incident.

A Qantas Airbus A380-800, registration VH-OQF performing flight QF-12 from Los Angeles,CA (USA) to Sydney,NS (Australia), was enroute at FL320 over the Pacific Ocean about 2 hours into the flight, the aircraft had departed Los Angeles about 75 seconds prior to QF-94. The aircraft initiated a step climb to FL340 at or shortly after the occurrence.

The occurrence became known by passenger reports indicating that they had perceived a sudden loss of weight and were holding hands when their aircraft nose dived for about 10 seconds. The captain announced that they had experienced wake turbulence from another Qantas A380, they were now talking to ATC and were about to change their flight path slightly.

Based on the passenger reports Australia's TSB have asked Qantas for an explanation. A current theory is flight QF-94 encountered wake turbulence from flight QF-12.

On Jun 14th 2018 Qantas' chief pilot explained the trailing aircraft QF-94 encountered some wake turbulence from the leading aircraft QF-12 20nm ahead and 1000 feet above, the wake turbulence caused a jolt to the aircraft for a short period of time with pitch variations of up to 3 degrees. The aircraft climbed maybe 100 feet and descended back to its cruising altitude, the captain took action to avoid further exposure to the wake vortex. There were no injuries and no damage. The occurrence has been reported to the ATSB and the aircraft manufacturer.

The ATSB reported occurrences affecting the safety of the aircraft need to be reported to the ATSB. Based on the facts of this occurrence there was no requirement to notify the ATSB immediately. The operator notified the ATSB within 72 hours, the information was reviewed and no safety investigation was opened.
Incident Facts

Date of incident
Jun 10, 2018

Classification
Incident

Airline
Qantas

Flight number
QF-94

Aircraft Registration
VH-OQK

Aircraft Type
Airbus A380-800

ICAO Type Designator
A388

This article is published under license from Avherald.com. © of text by Avherald.com.
Article source

You can read 2 more free articles without a subscription.

Subscribe now and continue reading without any limits!

Are you a subscriber? Login
Subscribe

Read unlimited articles and receive our daily update briefing. Gain better insights into what is happening in commercial aviation safety.

Send tip

Support AeroInside by sending a small tip amount.

Related articles

Newest articles

Subscribe today

Are you researching aviation incidents? Get access to AeroInside Insights, unlimited read access and receive the daily newsletter.

Pick your plan and subscribe

Partner

Blockaviation logo

A new way to document and demonstrate airworthiness compliance and aircraft value. Find out more.

ELITE Logo

ELITE Simulation Solutions is a leading global provider of Flight Simulation Training Devices, IFR training software as well as flight controls and related services. Find out more.

Blue Altitude Logo

Your regulation partner, specialists in aviation safety and compliance; providing training, auditing, and consultancy services. Find out more.

AeroInside Blog
Popular aircraft
Airbus A320
Boeing 737-800
Boeing 737-800 MAX
Popular airlines
American Airlines
United
Delta
Air Canada
Lufthansa
British Airways