Overview
- The ATSB released its final findings on two takeoff incidents at Melbourne in September 2023 when a Malaysia Airlines A330 and a Bamboo Airways 787 lifted off beyond a temporarily shortened runway.
- Runway 34 was reduced by about 1,568 metres to 2,089 metres for night resurfacing, and the aircraft passed roughly seven metres and 4.5 metres above workers and equipment.
- Investigators found crews received NOTAM and ATIS updates yet did not integrate the changes into takeoff calculations, while dispatchers did not explicitly highlight the shorter runway.
- No injuries were reported and both flights continued, but the ATSB warned that reliance on procedural controls leaves room for human error with serious potential consequences.
- Both airlines have updated dispatcher procedures, ICAO has introduced highly visible signage standards, and Airservices Australia with CASA are developing proposed changes to air traffic control communications.