What happened
On August 7, 2018, a Cessna 208B, registration VT-UDN, was performing a scheduled flight from Jaipur to Lalgarh as part of an intra-state air service. The aircraft, carrying two crew members and seven passengers, was on final approach when the flight crew observed a flock of birds crossing the runway. To avoid the birds, the pilot paused the descent, maintaining altitude and effectively delaying the approach.
This maneuver resulted in a steeper descent and a touchdown approximately 2,300 feet from the start of the runway. Although there was roughly 1,900 feet of runway remaining, the aircraft failed to stop within the available distance. The crew attempted to initiate a U-turn to avoid the end of the strip, but the aircraft ultimately struck the airport's boundary wall. While the impact caused substantial damage to the engine, propeller, and nose gear, there were no injuries to the nine occupants.
The investigation
The AAIB India investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition, the runway infrastructure, and the crew's decision-making. Investigators found that the aircraft's brakes were functional and had been tested on a bench following the accident. While the crew reported the brakes felt sluggish during the landing roll, the investigation concluded that the primary issue was an infirm touchdown at a higher speed, which caused the aircraft to float and increased the required stopping distance.
Furthermore, the investigation looked into the Lalgarh airstrip, noting that the runway lacked a Runway End Safety Area (RESA). The investigation also reviewed the regulatory approval process for the intra-state operations, finding that the necessary risk assessments for the airport's specific hazards had not been adequately performed.
Findings
- The crew's decision to hold altitude rather than performing a go-around after seeing birds led to a destabilized approach.
- The aircraft experienced an improper flare, resulting in a high-speed touchdown and a period of floating where the wheels were not firmly on the ground.
- The lack of a RESA at the Lalgarh aerodrome meant there was no safety buffer to mitigate the overrun.
- The aircraft's landing roll exceeded the available runway length due to the delayed touchdown and subsequent high speed.