Fed: Qantas says jet problem straight mechanical failure

AAP General News (Australia)
04-24-2000
Fed: Qantas says jet problem straight mechanical failure

Qantas says mechanical failure rather than pilot error was responsible for a mishap
in which the undercarriage of a Qantas jumbo jet collapsed at Rome airport on Saturday.

Qantas executive general manager of aircraft operations DAVID FORSYTH says the accident
appears to be caused by stress on the landing gear as the fully laden Boeing 747-300 made
a turn.

He says analysis of the fracture surface will be undertaken to determine whether the
accident should be attributed to Qantas or Boeing.

The aircraft, QF 16 flying to Melbourne with 303 passengers and 19 crew, was taxiing
at low speed when a component of the right hand undercarriage collapsed without warning
shortly before take off.

No-one was injured and passengers returned to Australia last night on alternative flights.

Some have complained that they were left in the dark, saying until they took off on
another flight, they didn't know what was happening.

AAP RTV mb/wz t

KEYWORD: QANTAS (CANBERRA)

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