Sydney Airport under investigation after fourth safety incident

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation into a fourth close call at Sydney airport in less than a month, according to a statement released on Friday (Aug 21). The incidents involve multiple Qantas aircraft, as well as a Jetstar and a Virgin Australia plane, all allegedly colliding or nearly colliding with each other.

On Tuesday (Aug 18), a Qantas Airbus A321 preparing to depart for the Gold Coast braked to avoid colliding with another Qantas aircraft, a Boeing 737 that had arrived from Melbourne on the same day. The ATSB stated that there was no immediate risk of collision in this incident, but they are investigating to determine if there were any common contributing factors with the three other incidents at the airport over the last month.

Evidence collection, including interviews with air traffic controllers and flight crew, will take place over the next few weeks, with a preliminary report expected in six to eight weeks.