QantasLink Boeing B717-200 VH-NXH as QJE1798 Bogged While Taxiing in at Rockhampton Airport Monday Night

During the evening on Monday 11 July, QantasLink Boeing B717-200 VH-NXH became bogged on some grass while taxiing in after landing at Rockhampton Airport as QJE1798 from Brisbane.

According to a Qantas spokesperson, the aircraft was taxiing at low speed to the parking bay when the pilot "inadvertently guided the aircraft across soft ground and became stuck just before the terminal".

The passengers on board were able to disembark normally via the stairs on the tarmac.

VH-NXH was due to leave Rockhampton Airport again on another flight back to Brisbane and consequently there was a short delay for those departing passengers as they were moved to another aircraft - possibly Dash-8-Q400 VH-QOH.

Rockhampton Regional Council, which is one of the only councils in Australia that manages its local airport, said the incident was treated in accordance with the Airport Emergency Plan.

There was little impact to airport operations although Taxiway Bravo was closed at per a NOTAM.

The bogged B717-200 remained stuck in the soft grass on Tuesday and it is expected be moved in the coming days.

The incident has reportedly been referred to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters and photographers for taking the time to capture and send through their great photos!

Photos taken by Russell Prothero and Don Williams  ©