A Network Aviation Australia Fokker 100 on behalf of Qantas, registration VH-NHZ performing flight QF-1624 from Perth,WA to Paraburdoo,WA (Australia), was enroute at FL330 about 80nm east of Geraldton,WA (Australia) when the aircraft climbed to about FL345 then descended again. The crew subsequently decided to divert to Geraldton, where the aircraft landed without further incident about 30 minutes later.
The remainder of the flight was cancelled.
Passengers reported they felt weightless for a while, the aircraft was descending, climbing, descending again and climbing again. Cabin crew shortly afterwards began to prepare the cabin for an emergency landing and instructed the passengers about the brace position. They were subsequently instructed to assume the brace position and remained in that position for some 15 to 20 minutes.
The airline reported the aircraft diverted to Geraldton due to a mechanical issue with the autoflight system, the cause of which is now being investigated. The airline understands this was a distressing experience for those onboard.
The aircraft was still on the ground in Geraldton about 33 hours after landing.
On Oct 6th 2025 Germany's BFU reported they are supporting the investigation by a foreign investigation body because the engine had been designed in Germany. During the flight there were oscillations around the lateral axis. The occurrence was rated a serious incident and is being investigated.
https://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHNHZ/history/20241021/0740Z/YPPH/YPBO
The remainder of the flight was cancelled.
Passengers reported they felt weightless for a while, the aircraft was descending, climbing, descending again and climbing again. Cabin crew shortly afterwards began to prepare the cabin for an emergency landing and instructed the passengers about the brace position. They were subsequently instructed to assume the brace position and remained in that position for some 15 to 20 minutes.
The airline reported the aircraft diverted to Geraldton due to a mechanical issue with the autoflight system, the cause of which is now being investigated. The airline understands this was a distressing experience for those onboard.
The aircraft was still on the ground in Geraldton about 33 hours after landing.
On Oct 6th 2025 Germany's BFU reported they are supporting the investigation by a foreign investigation body because the engine had been designed in Germany. During the flight there were oscillations around the lateral axis. The occurrence was rated a serious incident and is being investigated.
https://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHNHZ/history/20241021/0740Z/YPPH/YPBO
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