Seems a THAI 777 aircraft flew way too low when approaching Melbourne airport on July 24th.

 

The Boeing 777-3D7, carrying passengers from Bangkok, descended below the minimum permitted altitude, about 11km south of Melbourne Airport, just at 8.19pm (AEST) on July 24, according to Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) data.

 

It is understood the aircraft flew at about 1000 feet over the suburb of Sunshine North, when the permitted height was just under 2000 feet.

 

"During the approach, the aircraft descended below minimum altitude. The investigation is continuing," the ATSB said in a part-summary of its investigation so far.

http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/thai-airways-plane-flew-too-low-over-melbourne-says-australian-transport-safety-bureau/story-e6frfq80-1226102765073

 

Does this mean THAI will now be grounded in Australia? Tiger Airways had all its flights grounded after two aircraft were found to have breached the safe altitude limits during June? But then since only one aircraft was involved, perhaps it means only half of THAI

That article erred in referring to safety. The issue involved is noise abatement for the benefit of those who live near the airport.

That article erred in referring to safety. The issue involved is noise abatement

With respect, that's not what the aviation sections and the specialist media are saying. This from the Aviation Herald -

 

A Thai Airways Boeing 777-300, registration HS-TKD performing flight TG-461 from Bangkok (Thailand) to Melbourne,VI (Australia) with 361 passengers and 19 crew, was on VOR approach to Melbourne's runway 34 at around 20:19L (10:19Z) when the aircraft descended below minimum safe altitude while on final approach about 11km (5.9nm) south of the aerodrome. The aircraft went around and performed a safe landing on runway 34 about 18 minutes later.

http://avherald.com/h?article=4403e7bf&opt=1

 

I can't imagine "minimum safe altitude" can be misinterpreted.

Seems it is THAI putting out the inaccurate information that the issue is merely noise abatement - saving face at home, I guess.