The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has announced it has opened an inquiry after a passenger plane "swerved" off the runway at Christchurch Airport this morning.
Initial reports indicated the Airbus A320 aircraft experienced a steering issue upon landing which caused it to veer off the runway, chief investigator of accidents Naveen Kozhuppakalam said.
"We're gathering all the usual evidence and data for the start of this sort of investigation — including the cockpit voice and flight data recordings and airport CCTV footage."
Investigators would be seeking and recovering electronic records and interviewing aircraft crew, airport authorities, air traffic control and witnesses, he said.
"Getting the facts straight is vital, so we're keen to hear as soon as possible from passengers on board — especially those who have relevant video footage."
The scary landing left passengers on the flight from Auckland feeling shaken. (Source: 1News)
Anyone with information should email TAIC at info@taic.org.nz.
Jetstar chief operating officer Matt Franzi said the steering issue was associated with "one of three hydraulic systems failing".
"During landing the aircraft veered on the runway before going onto the grass at low speed for a short period of time before returning to the runway and coming to a stop."
He said there were no injuries to passengers or crew and that the aircraft was towed to the gate where all passengers disembarked.
"We're working with Airbus and relevant authorities to investigate what happened."
Witnesses describe the moment the landing went wrong
Caoimhe Tulloch and Katie Bilbrough had woken up early to take the flight to Christchurch for a friend's 21st birthday.
Tulloch told 1News it was a "really smooth flight, even the landing" before the incident.
"It was probably about, like, 10 seconds after we landed," she said. "The plane just started to speed up really fast.
"Then, all of a sudden, we swerved really quickly, and then the plane just kind of stopped."
Tulloch said it felt like they'd hit something and "there was a bit of a funny noise".
"We realised we were kind of diagonal on the grass and then, we waited," she added.
A Jetstar spokesperson said the plane had "a steering issue" after it landed.
The issue caused it to "veer on the runway at low speed".
"There are no injuries to passengers or crew. The aircraft was towed to the gate and all passengers have disembarked."
Hato Hone St John said the service was called to the incident at 7.48am and sent two rapid response vehicles.
The crews were later stood down.
At least six arrival flights and five departures were cancelled at Christchurch Airport as the runway was being cleared.
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