BOEING

Melbourne — July 24, 2009

Event Information

DateJuly 24, 2009
Event TypeINC
NTSB NumberENG09WA010
Event ID20090803X00631
LocationMelbourne
CountryAS
AirportMelbourne Airport
Highest Injury—

Aircraft

MakeBOEING
Model—
CategoryAIR
FAR PartUNK
Aircraft DamageMINR

Conditions

Light Condition—
Weather—

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None0
Total Injured0

Full Narrative

On July 24, 2009, about 2230 UTC, a Virgin Blue, Boeing 737-700 airplane, registration VH-VBA, sufferend a failue of the nose landing gear axle. During taxi for takeoff, the right nosewheel separated from the nose landing gear leg. The aircraft was able to be taxiied back to the gate. Initial examination of the landing gear indicates a region of fatigue cracking in the lower section of the landing gear axle, which has subsequently failed. The ATSB dispatched an investigation team to Melbourne Airport and will be recovering the components for specialist examination.

The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the government of Australia. Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from:

Australian Transport Safety Bureau
62 Northbourne Avenue
Canberra ACT 2601

Tel: (02) 6257 4150
Tel International: +61 2 6257 4150
Fax: (02) 6247 3117
Email: [email protected]
www.atsb.gov.au

This report is for informational purposes only and contains only information obtained for, or released by, the Government of Australia.

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

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