Pilots of a QantasLink De Havilland Dash 8-300 inadvertently lined up with runway edge lights during the take-off roll from Mildura airport in February, Australian investigators have disclosed.
The turboprop struck and damaged “multiple” edge lights, sustaining minor damage during the 25 February departure from runway 09, says the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
“Once the flight crew identified their incorrect position, they realigned the aircraft with the centreline and continued the take-off,” it adds.
Damage to the aircraft was discovered after the Dash 8 (VH-TQM) arrived at Melbourne. None of those on board was injured.
The incident occurred just before first light. Runway 09 has a length of 1,830m (6,000ft).
Investigators are gathering information – including recorded data, interviews, and documents – to understand the circumstances of the event.
