What happened
On March 8, 2015, a SpiceJet Bombardier Q-400, registration VT-SUA, was performing a scheduled flight from Bangalore to Hubli. As the aircraft approached Hubli, the crew encountered deteriorating weather conditions, including heavy rain and thunderstorms, which reduced visibility to 3000 meters. After a period of holding to allow the weather to improve, the crew proceeded with a VOR DME trial approach for runway 26.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft began to drift toward the left side of the runway. During the landing roll, the pilot applied asymmetric reverse thrust, which failed to maintain directional control. The aircraft veered left, striking a runway edge light. The impact with the non-frangible metal portion of the light assembly caused the left main landing gear to unlock and collapse. This led to the left propeller blades striking the runway surface and shearing off. Subsequently, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft's belly made contact with the runway before the aircraft exited the paved surface and came to a stop 52 meters from the centerline. All 78 passengers and 4 crew members were evacuated safely without injury.
The investigation
AAIB India examined the aircraft's mechanical state, the cockpit crew's performance, and the aerodrome infrastructure. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy and the crew was properly qualified. Investigators focused on the pilot's handling of the aircraft during the landing roll and the specific nature of the impact with the runway edge light. The inquiry also reviewed company policies regarding the execution of VOR trial procedures and the installation of aerodrome equipment.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of visual cues during landing in inclement weather, which led to the aircraft veering from the centerline.
- The pilot used inappropriate handling techniques, specifically applying asymmetric reverse thrust, which contributed to the loss of directional control.
- The first officer provided non-standard and delayed callouts regarding the aircraft's heading.
- The runway edge light assembly contained a metal portion that was not properly buried, making it non-frangible; the impact with this structure triggered the landing gear collapse.
- The airline's internal policy allowed experienced line captains to perform VOR trial procedures under conditions that contradicted DGCA guidelines, which restrict such trials to instructors and examiners in VMC.