Freedom Air 733 bogs in asphalt

A NEW Zealand-bound plane is bogged at Melbourne Airport after sinking into asphalt which had been laid only to keep dust down.

The Freedom Air flight to Hamilton, on the North Island, became stuck when its wheels sank into the asphalt about 7.30pm (AEST) yesterday, Melbourne Airport spokesman Brooke Lord said.
The tar edging to the main taxiway was not intended to support the weight of an aircraft.

It was not immediately clear why the Boeing 737 was near the asphalt section.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau and the airline will both investigate the incident.

Emergency crews have yet to decide how to move the plane.

Ms Lord said passengers on flight 324 returned to the terminal by bus and were given accommodation in Melbourne overnight.

Other flights were not disrupted.

“Last night, after 8pm, the decision was taken because the location of the aircraft meant both runways were still operating, and aircraft could come from the terminal on alternate taxiways … to have a look at it in the light (of day) and work it through then,” Ms Lord said on ABC radio.