New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has determined that an Air New Zealand Boeing 777-300ER’s runway excursion occurred after the captain failed to maintain control inputs following late autopilot disengagement. The January 2023 incident, which damaged multiple tires and aircraft components, highlights the challenges of manual takeover in changing wind conditions.
Critical Seconds Before Touchdown
The aircraft was conducting an instrument approach to Auckland’s runway 05R during heavy rain with variable crosswinds. While the autopilot maintained perfect alignment using left aileron and right rudder inputs, the captain disengaged the system at just 67 feet—significantly later than the recommended 300-600 foot transition height. This left minimal time for control adjustment before landing.
Control Neutralization Triggered Drift
TAIC’s investigation revealed the autopilot’s runway-alignment mode automatically returned controls to neutral upon disconnection. Flight data shows the pilot didn’t maintain the autopilot’s left aileron input, causing an immediate 3.69° right roll. Combined with shifting wind directions, this made centerline tracking impossible in the brief 9-second window between autopilot disengagement and touchdown.
Runway Departure and Damage
The 777 veered onto the runway shoulder, striking six edge lights before returning to the pavement. Five of six right main gear tires sustained damage, including one complete deflation, while the brake assembly and wiring harness also required repair. Remarkably, all 287 occupants escaped unharmed despite the violent excursion.
Training and Procedure Review
The incident has prompted scrutiny of pilot training for autopilot transitions, particularly in adverse weather. TAIC emphasized that the outcome was “virtually certain” given the sequence of events, regardless of runway conditions. While the runway was wet, investigators confirmed standing water wasn’t a factor.
Industry Implications
This incident joins several similar cases where late autopilot disengagement contributed to landing anomalies. Aviation safety experts are calling for enhanced simulator training that replicates these challenging transition scenarios, especially for widebody aircraft operating in variable wind conditions.
Air New Zealand has reviewed its procedures following the investigation, which provides crucial data for improving pilot awareness during critical flight phases. The findings will contribute to global discussions about automation management in modern airliners.
