15 October 2008

Technical glitch blamed for A330 mid-air plunge

A technical glitch has been blamed for sending a Qantas A330 into a mid-air plunge last week.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) says that the air data computer, or inertial reference system, for the aircraft sent erroneous information to the flight control computer causing the autopilot to disconnect.

Although the Bureau says the aircraft is safe, Airbus has sent warnings to airlines that operate the A330 all over the world.

More than 70 people on Qantas flight QF72 from Singapore to Perth were injured on Tuesday last week when the Airbus, carrying 303 passengers and 10 crew, suddenly dropped altitude.

People were hurled around the cabin and the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing in Western Australia's north.

Would you now feel safe flying on an Airbus A330 300?
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By Travelmole Australia

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