QantasLink Dash 8-300 Misaligned Takeoff at Mildura Airport – February 2025 (ATSB Final Report)
A QantasLink De Havilland Dash 8-300 (VH-TQM) lined up with a runway edge instead of the centreline during a night departure from Mildura Airport, Australia, on 25 February 2025. The crew were distracted by cockpit ready checks during the runway end turn and failed to follow the guidance line markings, causing the aircraft to damage several runway edge lights during take-off. The aircraft and its 54 occupants landed safely in Melbourne after a precautionary low pass for gear inspection, with minor damage to the nose landing gear, fuselage, and right propeller. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) classified the incident as serious and QantasLink has since introduced a policy prohibiting ready checks during runway end turns.
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Impact verdict
Low impact. No fatalities or injuries were recorded and aircraft damage was minor. Insured losses are likely limited to aircraft repair costs and runway infrastructure damage, with no significant systemic or catastrophic insurance implications.
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