The New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission has detailed the findings of its report on an incident involving a Jetstar Airbus A320 at Christchurch Airport. The incident occurred shortly after landing when a hydraulic system failure caused the aircraft to lose nosewheel steering and limited the functionality of the right engine’s thrust reverser. Despite adherence to standard operating procedures, the pilots lost control during turn-off, hitting a signboard and coming to a stop on the grass beside the runway. The damage to the engine was significant, although there were no injuries.
The investigation found that the crew unintentionally moved the thrust levers from maximum reverse to climb power, which was not noticed at the time. The hydraulic failure caused the engines to respond inconsistently, leading to differential thrust that made steering difficult. It was also noted that Airbus's documentation and Jetstar’s procedures did not provide clear guidance on performing differential braking to steer off the runway, which could have prevented the incident.
Chief Investigator Louise Cook explained that the sudden increase in engine thrust likely startled the pilots, prompting an instinctive response to pull the levers back. This response, combined with the hydraulic failure, created a turning force that led to the aircraft veering off the taxiway. In response, Jetstar has begun reviewing its guidance for pilots handling similar situations, and Airbus has committed to revising aircraft manuals and instructor guidance in 2026 to mitigate such risks. Maintenance procedures are also under review to ensure thorough inspection of critical parts before installation, following evidence of damage to a hydraulic pipe that contributed to the failure.
