Incident
On 7 February 2024, a De Havilland DHC-8-311 (Q300) registered ZK-NEF, operated by Air New Zealand, experienced a runway overrun during take-off from Timaru Aerodrome. The flight, scheduled to Wellington, carried 36 passengers and three crew. The aeroplane stopped 4.7 metres beyond the runway end, with no injuries or damage to the aeroplane.
Sequence of Events
The first officer, acting as pilot flying, initiated take-off on runway 02. After the captain called V1 and rotate at 97 knots, the first officer began rotation. Shortly after, the first officer observed a flock of birds to the right approaching the take-off path. Concerned about a possible strike, the first officer reduced the rate of rotation without communicating this intention to the captain. The captain perceived the reduced rotation as a nose-lowering and believed the first officer was rejecting the take-off. The captain immediately closed the power levers and applied brakes. The aeroplane decelerated from 114 knots (17 knots above V1) and came to a stop beyond the runway end.
Contributing Factors
Communication between the pilots broke down. The first officer did not inform the captain of the plan to avoid birds while continuing the take-off. The captain misinterpreted the first officer's actions as a rejected take-off. The resulting rejection above V1 led to the overrun.
Personnel Information
The captain had 4,130 total flying hours, including 2,813 on the Q300, and held a current Class 1 medical certificate. The first officer had 2,042 total hours, with 276 on the Q300, and also held a Class 1 medical certificate. Both reported being fit for duty.
Aircraft Information
ZK-NEF was a De Havilland DHC-8-311, a high-wing, twin-turboprop pressurised aeroplane configured for two-pilot operation. It was equipped with a cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, which were secured after the incident.