The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating two incidents last week in which an AirAsia X aircraft flew too low while approaching Gold Coast airport.
On 4 May, an AirAsia X A330-300, registration 9M-XXB, went "below the radar lowest safe altitude" while approaching the airport after a flight from Kuala Lumpur, says the ATSB, which has classified the incident as serious.
The approach was made in instrument meteorological conditions, indicating low visibility due to cloudy or bad weather conditions at that time.
The bureau says a similar incident involving the same aircraft occurred on 3 May in visual meteorological conditions, which indicates sufficient visibility.
An investigation into the incidents is ongoing, says the ATSB, adding that no injuries occurred as a result.
Malaysia-based AirAsia X says it is working with the bureau on the investigation.
"If any anomalies are found or identified, we will rectify them with immediate effect. Both flights landed safely without any passenger incidents. Safety remains and has always been a priority for AirAsia X," says a carrier spokesman.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
