What happened
On 31 March 2007, a Volga-Dnepr Airlines Antonov 124-100, registration RA-82078, was completing a flight from Greer, South Carolina, to Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador. During the approach to Runway 03/21, the aircraft touched down at 0216 Newfoundland daylight time. The aircraft failed to stop before the end of the runway, exiting the left side of the pavement near the departure end and coming to rest approximately 480 feet off the runway surface. There were no injuries among the nine crew members and ten passengers on board, though the aircraft sustained damage to its tires and several runway edge lights were broken.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft's landing performance and the crew's awareness of changing surface conditions. While the aircraft was within weight and center of gravity limits and no mechanical malfunctions were found, investigators examined the touchdown point, the timing of braking, and the use of reverse thrust. The investigation noted that while the ATIS indicated a wet runway, a special weather report received twelve minutes prior to landing indicated light snow. However, the crew did not request an updated runway surface condition report.
Data analysis revealed that the aircraft touched down approximately 2t400 feet beyond the normal touchdown point, having floated at a lower airspeed than planned. Furthermore, the application of wheel brakes by the pilots occurred five seconds later than the planned speed, and the use of reverse thrust was not maintained at maximum levels until the aircraft's stopping capability was certain.
Findings
- The aircraft touched down significantly past the intended touchdown point, which drastically reduced the available runway for deceleration.
- The runway surface was contaminated with snow, which increased the required stopping distance.
- A delay in applying wheel brakes, combined with the failure to maintain maximum reverse thrust, contributed to the overrun.