What happened
On the evening of January 27, 2023, an Air New Zealand Boeing 777-319ER, registration ZK-OKN, was completing a return flight from Melbourne to Auckland. As the aircraft approached the runway, it encountered heavy rain and shifting wind conditions. During the final stages of the approach, the pilot flying disengaged the autopilot at an altitude of approximately 67 feet above the ground.
As the aircraft touched down, it began to drift right of the runway centerline. The aircraft subsequently veered off the paved surface onto a sealed shoulder, striking six runway edge lights. While the aircraft was able to return to the center of the runway, the excursion caused significant damage to the right landing gear, including five damaged tires—one of which deflated—and damage to the brake assembly and wiring. There were no injuries among the 271 passengers or 16 crew members on board.
The investigation
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) examined flight data from the cockpit voice recorder, quick access recorder, and digital flight data recorder, alongside air traffic control recordings and interviews. The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of directional control during the landing roll.
Investigators analyzed the impact of the inclement weather and the crew's decision-making process. The inquiry also reviewed the flight crew's approach and landing briefings, comparing them against the operator's established guidelines and standard operating procedures.