Qantas Plane Rips Up Perth Airport Runway During Takeoff: Video Shows Shocking Incident
Social media users are debating who is to blame after a Qantas aircraft tore up part of the runway at Perth Airport during takeoff.
A video posted to X shows a section of the tarmac being blown backwards after a Qantas aircraft moved over it during takeoff around midday on Sunday, September 15.
X (formerly Twitter) user Alex said: "Drama at Perth Airport this afternoon as a Qantas A330 rips up part of the newly relaid section of runway 03.
"There was a Silkway B748-8F due to land after this & now [the aircraft] was diverted to Adelaide."
Investigating the Incident
"Following a short full closure, the Main Runway was reopened to operate some departing services, while urgent pavement maintenance works were undertaken," the spokesperson said.
"The Cross Runway remained fully operational throughout.
"The maintenance works were completed at approximately [1am] on Monday 16 September.
"Only one freight service made a diversion during the time with all other services continuing to operate safely."
Blaming the Runway or the Plane?
The footage on X, originally captured by YPPH Plane Guy, has been shared widely.
X user Peter said: "Why is it the fault of the aircraft. Poor airport maintenance is the culprit."
Saw Travel said: "I can't believe the runway would break under wind pressure."
Tumbril said: "Framed like it was Qantas' fault. If the runway can't take the heat and blast, that's the airport's fault."
Concerns About Runway Resurfacing
At about 12pm, a large slab of pavement on the main runway went flying in the air as a Qantas aircraft was making its departure.
"When [the pavement] did lift up, it was quite high and it created a bit of dust … probably from when it smashed on the ground," he told ABC Radio Perth on Monday.
From his vantage point at the airport's viewing platform, Mitchell could see the damage was to a part of the runway that has recently been resurfaced.
"It's clearly caused by this new resurfacing, which is slightly concerning considering this is only the start of the resurfacing and it's already having issues," he said.
Mitchell said he believed the aircraft had its brakes set as it began moving along the runway.
"When they did increase thrust they still had their brakes set, which isn't too rare or anything but it's not what all aircraft do, they often do it when they are heavy," he said.
"This particular aircraft did rotate decently late down the runway, so it did need that power and due to the aircraft having so much thrust with it at the point, that probably contributed to that particular bit of concrete lifting up into the air."
Perth Airport Responds
In a statement, a Perth Airport spokesperson said following a short full closure, the runway reopened to operate some departing services while urgent maintenance was undertaken.
Perth Airport said the repairs to the runway took about an hour to complete. (Supplied: Perth Airport)
The repairs took about an hour to complete and the cross runway remained operational throughout.
"Only one freight service made a diversion during the time with all other services continuing to operate safely" they said.
Aftermath and Social Media Discussion
The cross runway remained fully operational throughout.
He's made a number of friends through the hobby, which he said attracts about 100 people out of Perth.
"I just have an interest in aviation and I just enjoy doing it," he said.
The incident has sparked debate on social media about the cause of the damage and who is responsible. Some users have pointed to potential issues with the airport's runway resurfacing, while others have suggested that the plane's takeoff thrust may have been too strong for the newly laid tarmac. The investigation is ongoing, and the airport is committed to ensuring the safety and efficiency of its operations.
