What happened
On 1 November 2016, an Airbus A320-200, registered as 9M-AFU, was involved in a runway excursion at Kota Bharu Airport in Kelantan. The aircraft, operated by Air Asia Berhad, was positioned on the runway to perform a 180-degree turn for departure from Runway 10. During this maneuvering process, the aircraft drifted off the paved surface, causing the nose wheel and the left-hand main landing gear to enter the grass area adjacent to the left side of the runway.
Following the excursion, the engines were shut down, and the passengers were evacuated from the aircraft using passenger stairs. All passengers were subsequently moved to the main terminal via buses and vans. The aircraft was initially declared aircraft on ground (AOG) at Kota Bharu for preliminary inspections before being ferried to Kuala Lumpur with its landing gear extended on 5 November 2016.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the aircraft's maneuver on the runway and the physical constraints of the airfield. Investigators examined the movement of the aircraft during the turn and the lack of available taxiway infrastructure at the time of the incident.
Findings
- The aircraft encountered a runway excursion while performing a 180-degree turn on the runway.
- The lack of a suitable adjacent taxiway for Runway 10 contributed to the necessity of the maneuver.
- There were identified needs for improved duty prioritization during aircraft maneuvering, particularly in tight spaces or low-visibility conditions.
Safety action
Following the incident, several recommendations were issued to Flight Operations and Ground Operations:
- Flight Operations should emphasize strict compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and reinforce duty prioritization during maneuvers in limited spaces.
- Crew training should include periodic instruction on performing 180-degree turns on runways and the use of appropriate aircraft external lighting.
- Enhanced coordination between cockpit and cabin crews is recommended, alongside better passenger communication during such events.
- A recommendation was made to the airport authority to install a turning pan at Kota Bharu to provide a safer alternative to runway turns.
- Ground Operations should maintain readiness for ad-hoc requirements, such as passenger transportation and accommodation, during such incidents.