MH134 remains grounded

A Malaysia Airlines’ aircraft at the centre of a potentially disastrous incident remains grounded as an investigation unfolds.

Malaysia Airlines has declined to comment on speculation the aircraft’s Pitot tubes were covered

A Malaysia Airlines’ aircraft at the centre of a potentially disastrous incident at Brisbane Airport last week, remains grounded as an investigation unfolds.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau expects to deliver a preliminary report on Flight MH134 within three weeks.

The ATSB is investigating the failure of airspeed indication on takeoff, which led to the A330-300 returning to Brisbane last Thursday and landing heavily.

None of the 226 people on board was hurt but the plane had to be towed from the runway, which was closed for 90 minutes.

A Malaysia Airlines’ spokesman yesterday confirmed the A330 remained at Brisbane Airport, awaiting a part due to be delivered from Kuala Lumpur.

He again declined to comment on speculation the aircraft’s Pitot tubes were not uncovered before takeoff, resulting in the airspeed indicators failing.

Pitot tubes measure airspeed and altitude and send the information to the air data computer, making the devices a critical part of safe operation.

Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association federal secretary Steve Purvinas said the only reason for airspeed indication failure on takeoff was because of the Pitot tubes being covered. Mr Purvinas and other aviation experts have expressed their concern that the covers appear not to have been removed, as part of normal pre-flight checks and preparations.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority indicated it would await the outcome of the ATSB investigation and Malaysia Airlines’ response before deciding if any action is required.

Robyn Ironside