ATSB investigates cargo plane that took off with tail stand still attached

An investigation is underway into how a cargo plane took off from Sydney Airport with its rear tail stand attached.

A Korean Air Cargo plane had a mishap at Sydney Airport in 2002 when it tipped back on its tail while being unloaded — highlighting the importance of tail stands. Picture: File

An investigation is underway into how a National Jet Express cargo plane took off from Sydney Airport with its rear tail stand attached.

Tail stands are used when front loading cargo planes to prevent the aircraft’s tail from drooping or falling to the ground as a result of the shift in centre of gravity.

The importance of tail stands was highlighted in a 2002 incident at Sydney Airport, in which a Korean Air cargo plane tipped back on its tail while being unloaded. Ten crew were trapped and a cherry picker was brought in to rescue them.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation brief said the British Aerospace 146-300 took off just before 5am yesterday to fly to Brisbane.

“After take-off the tail stand sheared off, resulting in foreign object debris on the runway,” the ATSB brief said.

A Sydney Airport spokesman said the runway was closed for a very short time to clear the debris, but no other flights were affected.

The National Jet Express flight continued on to Brisbane without incident.

As part of the investigation, the ATSB will interview witnesses and ground crew and examine operator manuals and procedures, among other tasks.

“Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate action can be taken,” said the brief.

A final report is expected before the end of September this year.