Propeller strap penetrates cabin in flight

LINK AIRWAYS SAAB 340B VH-VEQ (MSN 30B-424)

Last Thursday (10th Nov) a Link Airways Saab 340B, flying on behalf of Virgin Australia, performing flight VA-633 from Canberra (CBR/YSCB) to Sydney (SYD/YSSY), was departing Canberra's runway 35 when a strap, used to secure the left-hand propeller on the ground, struck and penetrated the left side of the aircraft causing minor injuries to three passengers. The flight crew, having received an emergency call from the cabin crew, stopped the initial climb at 3000 feet and returned to the airport for an immediate landing on runway 35 about 7 minutes after departure.

Australian Federal Police reported three people were assessed for minor injuries.

The ATSB deployed investigators on site and reported a ratchet strap attached to a propeller punctured the side of the plane, with one of its ends appearing inside the cabin shortly after takeoff. 

The strap that had been used to secure the propeller overnight had not been removed before the flight.

The airline reported the aircraft landed safely back, there were no injuries to passengers or crew.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Link Airways

Code: FC

Aircraft: Saab 340B

Registration: VH-VEQ

Serial Number: 340B-424

Engines: 2 x GE CT7-9B
First Flew: 21/08/1997

Age: 25Yrs. 2Mts.