AVIATION/ ATSB REPORTS ON REX REGIONAL FL161

The Australian Transportation Safety Board, ATSB, has released its final report into an incident involving a REX REGIONAL EXPRESS Saab 340B on November 3, 2008. On that date, Rex Flight 161 was on Domestic Service form Orange to Sydney, Australia. While turning for final approach into Sydney runway 34R, about 7 miles from touchdown, the crew reported a temporary loss of control. The crew notified ATC that they suspected wake turbulence. The Saab landed without incident in Sydney, and was met by Emergency Services. 1 passenger onboard received minor injuries in the upset. In their final report, the ATSB noted that the incident was caused by wake turbulence, from an Airbus A380 on the parallel runway 35R. The ATSB noted that a strong crosswind caused the wake turbulence to drift from runway 35R to the approach area of runway 34R. The approach path for 35R was higher than 34R, thus the wake turbulence drifted down from the A380 into the path of the Saab. The ATSB has made a number of safety recommendations as a result of the incident. At the time, the A380 was listed in the Heavy Wake Turbulence category. The A380 has since been upgraded to the Super Heavy Wake Turbulence category, which requires increased separation between the A380 and other aircraft. The full report, including details on the Rex approach and the crew's actions, can be found on the ATSB website.