What happened
On December 4, 2015, a SpiceJet Bombardier Q400, registration VT-SUC, was operating a scheduled flight from Mumbai to Jabalpur. After receiving clearance for a visual approach, the aircraft touched down on Runway 06 at approximately 1352 UTC. Within seconds of touchdown, the aircraft struck a group of wild boars positioned on the runway.
The impact with a boar caused the left main landing gear to collapse immediately. As the aircraft continued its landing roll, the left engine propeller blades struck the ground and sheared off. The aircraft then dragged along the runway for roughly 182 feet, during which the nose landing gear also collapsed. The aircraft veered left of the centerline, overran the runway edge lights, and came to a halt on soft ground. Despite the significant damage to the airframe and landing gear, all 49 passengers and 2 cabin crew members were evacuated safely without injury.
The investigation
AAIB India conducted an investigation into the wreckage and the aerodrome conditions. The inquiry examined the serviceability of the aircraft, the meteorological conditions, and the maintenance of the Jabalpur aerodrome. Investigators found that the aircraft was fully airworthy, with all required certificates and maintenance schedules up to date. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were within operating minima, with visibility reported at 5,000 meters.
The investigation focused heavily on the aerodrome's perimeter security. Inspectors identified multiple breaches in the perimeter wall, including large openings in drainage pipes and gaps at the base of the wall. Furthermore, the investigation noted that heavy vegetation made the perimeter wall inaccessible for regular inspections and obscured the runway from the ATC tower.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a wildlife strike involving wild boars during the landing roll.
- The impact led to the collapse of the left main landing gear and subsequent damage to the propeller blades and nose gear.
- The presence of wildlife on the runway was facilitated by numerous breaches in the aerodrome's perimeter wall.
- Inadequate aerodrome supervision and a lack of regular perimeter inspections contributed to the incident.
- Heavy vegetation around the runway prevented effective monitoring of the boundary from the control tower.