Created Thursday, Feb 23rd 2023 19:28Z, last updated Thursday, Feb 23rd 2023 19:28Z
A Bluebird Cargo Boeing 737-400, registration TF-BBL performing ferry flight MSA-9781 from Montichiari (Italy) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (France), had been enroute at FL300 and FL290, when during the descent towards Paris a huge bang was heard, that shook the entire aircraft, caused a strong yaw and destabilized the flight path. The flight crew investigated and determined that the payload ballast, loaded into the most aft position of the main cargo hold, had moved forward into the most forward position. The bangs repeated when the crew extended the flaps and landing gear. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on CDG's runway 26L.
The French BEA reported the aircraft had been loaded with a payload ballast in the cargo bay position 10 (most aft of the main cargo hold). During the descent the ballast slammed against the G9 wall at the most forward position of the main cargo hold. During flap and gear extension the ballast moved again and slammed against the G9 wall again. The occurrence was rated an incident and is being investigated by the BEA.
The occurrence aircraft remained on the ground in Paris until Feb 16th 2023 before returning to service.
