Event Overview
On 28 January 2019, an ATR 72-212-A aircraft, registration EC-LYJ, operated by SWIFTAIR, was conducting a commercial flight from Valencia to Palma de Mallorca. The flight was the second of four scheduled sectors for the crew that afternoon. On board were 61 passengers, two pilots, and two cabin crew members. The approach and landing were performed on Runway 24L at Palma de Mallorca Airport.
Accident Sequence
During the landing at 16:35:41 local time, the aircraft partially exited the right side of the runway. It rolled on unpaved ground for a short duration before returning to the paved surface. While off the runway, the aircraft struck a signage placard marking taxiway S1. The aircraft then vacated the runway via taxiway S2 and taxied to the parking stand under its own power. No emergency services were required.
Injuries and Damage
All 65 persons on board (61 passengers and 4 crew) were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right side of the fuselage, affecting a frame member, the hydraulic system, and the landing gear. No other damage was reported.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the accident resulted from a loss of control on the ground. The landing maneuver in crosswind conditions was not executed in accordance with the manufacturer's published procedure. A contributing factor was the lack of communication between the flight crew regarding crosswind landing technique during the approach briefing.
No other factors such as weather, air traffic control, or aircraft systems were cited as causal. The aircraft was operating under IFR rules and the flight was a scheduled commercial transportation.
Probable Cause
The accident was caused by the loss of control of the aircraft on the ground because the landing maneuver with crosswind was not performed according to the procedure published by the manufacturer. A contributing factor was the lack of communication between the crew members regarding crosswind landing technique during the approach briefing.