What happened
On July 6, 2016, a Hawker 900XP, registration VT-LTA, operated by M/s Larsen and Toubro Aviation Ltd, was performing a non-scheduled flight from Bangalore to Chennai. During the landing phase on Runway 07, the aircraft encountered heavy rain and significant weather deterioration. Despite being warned by Air Traffic Control of wind shear reported by a preceding aircraft and winds from the southwest at 16–18 knots, the crew proceeded with the approach.
As the aircraft descended, the crew noted a lateral drift to the left. Upon touchdown, the aircraft struck the left shoulder of the runway, impacting 13 runway edge lights. The impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse and the aircraft's belly to strike the ground, damaging the hydraulic systems and rendering the brakes and thrust reversers inoperable. The left main landing gear wheel eventually detached, and the aircraft skidded approximately 250 meters before coming to a halt. There were no injuries to the two crew members or the four passengers on board.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by AAIB India examined the aircraft's maintenance records, weather reports, and cockpit voice recordings. Investigators confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy with no pending mechanical issues and that the crew was properly qualified and current. The inquiry focused on the meteorological conditions, specifically the presence of heavy rain and tailwinds that exceeded the aircraft's operational limitations. The investigation also reviewed the cockpit communication and the adequacy of the approach briefing.
Findings
- The aircraft encountered tailwinds of 16–18 knots, which exceeded the maximum landing tailwind limitation of 10 knots specified in the Airplane Flight Manual.
- The crew continued the approach despite warnings regarding wind shear, heavy rain, and changing barometric pressure.
- The crew failed to actively monitor the deteriorating weather environment and attempted to land in high tailwinds.
- There was a lack of effective Crew Resource Management (CRM), as the co-pilot noted the lateral deviation but the crew did not execute a missed approach.
- The approach briefing was inadequate, as it failed to include specific procedures for a missed approach or instructions for unstabilized conditions.
- The impact with runway edge lights and the subsequent gear collapse caused substantial structural damage to the radome, nose section, and landing gear assemblies.
Safety action
- The air operator is required to enhance CRM training in both initial and recurrent programs to improve decision-making and coordination.
- The operations department should issue circulars to flight crews to reinforce standard call-outs during approach and landing, particularly in marginal weather, and to emphasize the importance of go-around decisions.