What happened
On October 8, 2024, an Alliance Air ATR 72-212, registration VT-RKF, was performing a scheduled flight from Rourkeila to Bhubaneswar with 43 passengers and 4 crew members. During the approach to runway 14, the aircraft encountered heavy rain and reduced visibility. While descending toward the runway threshold, the flight crew reported feeling the aircraft sink and experiencing unusual vibrations within the cockpit.
As the aircraft approached the runway, it struck one CAT I and four CAT II approach lights. The impact caused the aircraft to touch down approximately 43.5 meters short of the runway edge. Following the landing, the pilot-in-command reported a suspected tail strike to Air Traffic Control. While there were no injuries to the occupants, the collision caused significant damage to the aircraft's underside and the airport's lighting infrastructure. The incident also resulted in the cancellation of a subsequent takeoff for a Boeing 737-800 due to debris left on the runway.
The investigation
AAIB India investigators examined the airframe and the site of the impact. Inspection of VT-RKF revealed a perforated hole in the bottom skin panel and a ruptured lower fuselage panel. The left-hand landing gear door and several air-conditioning bay panels sustained severe damage. Additionally, the investigation found damage to the honeycomb core of the left-hand inboard flap and sheared electrical harnesses, including the anti-skid and brake temperature sensors. The investigation also confirmed that five approach lights at the runway 14 side were damaged during the event. Investigators have collected crew statements, technical logs, and flight data recorder information, with assistance from the BEA and ATR technical advisors.