What happened
On March 3, 2019, an A320-2/14, registration PR-OCW, operated by Oceanair Airlines (Avianca), was performing a scheduled flight from Salvador to Rio de Janeiro. While approaching runway 15 at Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport (SBGL) under Instrument Flight Conditions (IMC), the crew established visual contact with the runway at approximately 800 feet.
As the aircraft descended below 100 feet, weather conditions deteriorated significantly due to heavy rain and an increasing left wind component. During the landing roll, the aircraft touched down approximately 900 meters from the threshold, positioned to the right of the runway centerline. While the left main landing gear remained within the runway limits, the right main landing gear touched down outside the right lateral edge of the runway. The aircraft subsequently traveled approximately 660 meters through a grassy area within the runway strip, causing substantial damage to the aircraft's fuselage, landing gear, and engines due to the impact of mud and debris.
All 162 passengers and 6 crewmembers were unharmed. Following the excursion, the crew regained directional control and returned the aircraft to the runway centerline, eventually taxiing to the apron with the assistance of a follow-me vehicle.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the runway excursion, examining the impact of deteriorating meteorological conditions and crew performance. The investigation analyzed flight data, cockpit voice recordings, and the aircraft's mechanical condition following the impact with mud and grass. The inquiry also looked into organizational factors, including the airline's operational status and crew scheduling practices.
Findings
- Adverse meteorological conditions: A significant change in wind direction and intensity, combined with heavy rain that impaired peripheral vision and depth perception, contributed to the lateral drift of the aircraft.
- Crew Resource Management: The copilot provided several callouts regarding the aircraft's deviation from the runway axis; however, the commander did not respond to the later alerts. Furthermore, the copilot did not assertively request a go-around despite the visible deviation.
- Decision-making and judgment: The crew performed an incomplete assessment of the flight conditions, attempting to correct the lateral deviation in flight rather than executing a missed approach. This was compounded by a selective perception that focused on the lateral movement while overlooking the destabilized approach.
- Control skills: The flight control corrections applied by the crew were insufficient to counteract the aircraft's tendency to drift to the right.
- Organizational factors: The investigation noted that the crew's arrival was delayed due to scheduling issues, and the company's financial situation (judicial reorganization) was considered a potential influence on the operational safety climate.