Qantas A380 Pilot Entered Incorrect LAX Takeoff Data-ATSB Report

Qantas Airbus A380

A Qantas Airbus A380 pilot was distracted just before takeoff to Melbourne from Los Angeles International (LAX) and forgot to enter the correct takeoff information in to the Superjumbo’s computer according to a report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).

The pilot then realized his mistake as the A380 rolled down the runway for takeoff. The crew then resorted to calling out the takeoff speeds manually from their notes and the plane took off for Melbourne successfully.

‘Before the flight bound for Melbourne took off from Los Angeles International Airport on October 8 last year, a decision was made to change to a longer runway due to wind conditions.

As the captain was about to enter the change into the plane’s computer navigation system, the cabin crew called the flight deck to advise they were having a problem arming a passenger cabin door.

During the take-off roll, the flight crew noticed take-off speeds were not displayed on the flight instruments, so called out the speeds from notes and proceeded with take-off.’

The incident occurred aboard A380 VH-OQE on October 8 2011.

“The incident highlights the problem of distraction during critical stages of flight preparation,” the bureau said in its report released on Wednesday.

Airbus has since updated the plane’s warning system which will alert the pilots if the information has not been entered in to the computer.

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Image: Flickr [markyharky]