AAIB investigation to Boeing 737-301, G-JMCU

Takeoff with incorrect flap setting, Aberdeen Airport, 6 March 2023

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 8 February 2024

• Category: Commercial - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 6 March 2023
• Aircraft type: Boeing 737-301
• Location: Aberdeen Airport
• Registration: G-JMCU

The aircraft departed Aberdeen Airport with flap 1 set instead of the planned flap 5 used in the takeoff performance calculations. The crew noticed the incorrect flap setting after takeoff, whilst attempting to retract the flaps in the normal sequence. Calculations performed afterwards indicated that on this occasion the aircraft’s performance on takeoff was adequate with flap 1 set. However, it is not safe to take off without confirming that flap is set correctly, because the aircraft may not achieve the required performance.

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Boeing 737-301 G-JMCU 02-24

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Glossary of Abbreviations

Published 8 February 2024