ATSB releases second report into Qantas A330-303 in-flight upset
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) released (18-Nov-2009) a second Interim Factual Report into the accident involving the Qantas A330-303 in-flight upset, near Learmonth, Western Australia on 07-Oct-2008, in which the aircraft experienced two uncommanded pitch-down events. The bureau stated it is yet to find a reason behind the erroneous data from the air data inertial reference unit (ADIRU). According to the ATSB, Airbus is now modifying the flight control primary computer (FCPC or PRIM) software used in the A330/A340 fleets to prevent any future similar problems leading to an uncommanded pitch-down event. ATSB also downplayed the links between the incident and the Air France AF447 accident earlier this year. The ATSB expects to release a final report into this accident in 2Q2010. [more]