Safety Investigation Report 2018:1 Factual Information/1.6/1.6.5 Weight and Balance
SAFETY INVESTIGATION REPORT MH370 (9M-MRO)
1.6.5 Weight and Balance
The aircraft underwent a scheduled reweighing on 28 April 2009 at the MAS maintenance facility at KLIA. The next aircraft re-weighing was due on or before 27 April 2014. The aircraft Weight Schedule dated 12 June 2009 was reviewed with the following pertinent details (also refer to Table 1.6D [below]):
- Basic Empty Weight (BEW) of 138,918.7 kg
- Centre of Gravity (C of G) position of 1,248.8 Inches
- Index of 60.07 I.U.
- C of G of 26.7 % Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC) Dry Operating Weight (DOW) of 145,150 kg and Index 61.13
The maximum authorised take-off weight was 286,897 kg. On the occurrence flight, the aircraft departed with a calculated take-off weight of 223,469 kg. This take-off weight was broken down as follows:
| Actual (kg) | Maximum (kg) | |
|---|---|---|
| Take-off Weight (TOW) | 223,469 | 286,897 |
| Zero Fuel Weight (ZFW) | 174,369 | 195,044 |
| Take-off Fuel | 49,100 | |
| Landing Weight (LDW) | 186,269 | 208,652 |
| Trip Fuel | 37,200 | |
| Total Traffic Load | 31,086 | |
| Total Payload (Load in compartment) | 14,296 | |
| Passenger & Luggage | 16,790 | |
| Dry Operating Weight (DOW) | 143,283 |
Table 1.6D Aircraft Weight
The balance corresponding to the aircraft take-off weight and shown on the final loadsheet (after Last Minute Changes) was 33.78% of the Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC) which was within limits.
During take-off, the aircraft Basic Empty Weight (BEW) was 138,918.7 kg and the C of G position was 1,248.8 inches (C of G MAC was 26.7%). Total moment was 173,478,288.65 kg in. This indicates the planned weight and balance of the aircraft was within the allowable limits. The planned cargo weight (load in compartment) of 14,296 kg and distribution matched the recorded cargo weight and distribution.
Based on the available data, the aircraft weight and balance for the take-off from Kuala Lumpur was found to be normal and within the allowable limits.