Link SF34 at Canberra on Nov 10th 2022, propeller strap penetrates cabin in flight

Last Update: May 17, 2023 / 15:54:39 GMT/Zulu time

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Incident Facts

Date of incident
Nov 10, 2022

Classification
Accident

Flight number
VA-633

Aircraft Registration
VH-VEQ

Aircraft Type
SAAB 340

ICAO Type Designator
SF34

A Link Airways Saab 340B on behalf of Virgin Australia, registration VH-VEQ performing flight VA-633 from Canberra,AC to Sydney,NS (Australia), was departing Canberra's runway 35 when a strap, used to secure the left hand propeller on the ground, struck and penetrated the left side of the aircraft causing minor injuries to three passengers. The flight crew, having received an emergency call from the cabin crew, stopped the initial climb at 3000 feet and returned to the airport for an immediate landing on runway 35 about 7 minutes after departure.

Australian Federal Police reported three people were assessed for minor injuries.

The ATSB deployed investigators on site and reported a ratchet strap attached to a propeller punctured the side of the plane, with one of its ends appearing inside the cabin shortly after takeoff. The strap had been used to secure the propeller overnight and had not been removed.

The airline reported the aircraft landed safely back, there were no injuries to passengers or crew.

In May 2023 the ATSB released following abstract indicating the investigation is estimated to be finished by Q4/2023:

The aircraft was operating as Virgin Australia flight VA633, scheduled from Canberra to Sydney, New South Wales. Prior to the flight, a strap for retaining the left propeller blade was not removed and the engine was started with the strap attached. The strap was thrown free of the blade during the final stages of take-off and it penetrated the fuselage. One passenger received minor injuries and the aircraft sustained minor damage.
Incident Facts

Date of incident
Nov 10, 2022

Classification
Accident

Flight number
VA-633

Aircraft Registration
VH-VEQ

Aircraft Type
SAAB 340

ICAO Type Designator
SF34

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