Synopsis
On 7 January 2020, a Twin Otter DHC6-400, registration 9M-SSE, operated by MASwings, was conducting scheduled flight MH 3517 from Lawas to Miri. Upon landing on Runway 02 at Miri Airport, the aircraft veered to the left of the runway and came to rest on the grass area adjacent to the runway. The passengers were evacuated by the crew with assistance from airport authorities. The Airport Fire Rescue Services responded to the scene.
History of the Flight
The flight was the second of four sectors planned for the day, following a normal outbound leg from Miri to Lawas. The crew reported for duty at approximately 1405 hours local time. The aircraft departed Lawas at 1540 hours and approached Miri runway 02, stabilizing by 500 feet with all checklists completed. Flaps were set to 20 degrees, and Vref was 80 knots for a landing weight of 11,755 pounds. Weather conditions were fine: wind 350/07 knots, visibility more than 10 km.
At touchdown, the aircraft landed on its main gears. After the nose gear lowered, the aircraft initially tracked straight but soon veered left. The captain applied full rudder and brake, but the veer continued. Glancing down, he noticed the nose wheel steering lever was at full deflection to the left. He attempted to re‑center it, but the aircraft had already left the runway, rolled perpendicular to the left, and stopped on soft ground. The total distance traveled in a curve was 259 meters (175 m on runway, 84 m on grass), ending approximately 40 meters from the runway edge. The captain shut down the engines, coordinated with the tower for emergency services, and evacuated the passengers.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft was a Twin Otter DHC6-400 (serial number 894, year of manufacture 2014) registered to MASwings. The captain, aged 30, held an ATPL and had 4,351 total flying hours, with 98 hours on type. He had completed initial line training the previous month. The co‑pilot, also aged 30, held a CPL/IR and had 807 total hours, 633 on type. Both crew had sufficient rest prior to the flight.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were reported among the 2 crew and 14 passengers. The aircraft sustained no structural damage. All main wheels and brake units were covered with mud. The nose wheel exhibited heavy spot wear and heavy wear marks.
Post‑Incident Actions
The wreckage was removed a few hours later by the operator’s engineering team after approval from the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and was towed to bay R4 at Miri Airport for damage inspection.