A Qantas flight departing for Hong Kong made a return to Melbourne Airport after reporting a hydraulic problem shortly after takeoff.
Qantas flight QF29, operated by an Airbus A330-300, had conducted a takeoff from runway 34 Melbourne Airport (MEL).
The flight was to be a scheduled service bound for Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
Qantas QF29 Melbourne-Hong Kong
Shortly after takeoff, flight crew reported a hydraulic problem which resulted in the aircraft’s landing gear remaining in the extended position.
Unable to retract the landing gear, flight crew aborted the climb at 5000 feet and prepared for a return to Melbourne.
According to the online source Aviation Herald, flight crew advised ATC of a speed requirement of 175 KT due to the landing gear configuration.
The aircraft was subsequently positioned for a return to runway 34. The flight landed without further incident, approximately 45 minutes after its initial departure.
Following the landing roll, flight crew brought the aircraft to a stop at the end of the active runway. It was then towed clear of the runway approximately 30 minutes later.
Flight & Aircraft Details
Flight data shows that the flight QF29 had made a delayed departure from Melbourne Airport at 11:47 AM local time on 10 August.
Scheduled departure time for the service was listed as 10:20 AM local time. Following the takeoff from runway 34, flight crew terminated the climb at 5000 feet. The aircraft was then vectored in a wide left-hand circuit for a return to runway 34.
The aircraft conducting the QF29 rotation to Hong Kong was an Airbus A330-300, registered VH-QPJ. This is a 19.7 year old widebody aircraft belonging to the national carrier Qantas Airways.
It has been in operational service with the airline since its initial delivery from the factory in December 2005. The aircraft bears the airline name “Port Stephens”.
