Runway excursion on landing — Boeing 737-838

Summary

During landing at Darwin in wet conditions with a tailwind component, a Qantas Boeing 737-838 runway excursion occurred after the aircraft touched down beyond the touchdown zone. The aircraft exited the runway at low speed onto the paved runway end safety area. No injuries to 147 passengers and 6 crew members. Significant aircraft damage to the nose landing gear.

Investigation Findings (5)

1. 01Aircraft crossed the runway threshold approximately 12 knots fast with a 7-knot tailwind.
2. 02Touchdown occurred approximately 1,400 m beyond the runway threshold.
3. 03Autobrake system was set to level 3; however, late thrust reverser deployment contributed to extended ground roll.
4. 04Flight crew did not execute a go-around despite being beyond the stabilised approach criteria.
5. 05Qantas amended its Operations Manual to reinforce go-around decision-making protocols.