What happened
On 15 January 2014, a Boeing 737-300, registration VP-CKY, was operating a commercial passenger flight from Miami to Grand Cayman. During the approach to Runway 08, the crew encountered heavy rain and significant weather activity. While the crew initially planned a visual approach, the arrival of a heavy band of showers necessitated a change in flight path.
As the aircraft descended, the approach became unstable. By 1,000 ft, the aircraft was exceeding the required speed limits and was still in the process of configuring the flaps. Despite the high speed and the presence of a tailwind, the commander decided not to initiate a go-around, noting that the weather conditions made the situation feel too critical to abort. As the aircraft neared the ground, a heavy downpour obscured the windscreen. To force the aircraft onto the runway, the commander deployed the speed brakes at approximately 6 ft radio altitude.
The aircraft touched down 634 m beyond the touchdown zone. The crew applied maximum manual braking and maximum reverse thrust, eventually slowing the aircraft to 2 enough kt with only 139 m of runway remaining. There were no injuries to the 64 passengers or 2 crew members, and no damage was sustained by the aircraft.
The investigation
An investigation by the AAIB examined flight data from the Quick Access Recorder and interviewed the crew and air traffic controllers. The investigation established that the aircraft's approach did not meet the operator's stabilized approach criteria regarding speed, descent rate, and configuration.
Investigators also analyzed the meteorological data, noting a discrepancy between the wind reported by the tower and the actual conditions experienced by the aircraft. While the controller reported calm surface winds, the aircraft encountered a tailwind that increased its groundspeed to 175 kt at 50 ft agl. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's decision to use speed brakes as an improvised technique to prevent a further float.
Findings
- The approach was unstable due to excessive airspeed, an unconfigured flap setting, and a descent rate exceeding 1,000 ft/min at the 1,000 ft threshold.
- An unexpected tailwind significantly increased the groundspeed at touchdown, contributing to the long landing.
- The decision to deploy speed brakes was a non-standard technique that likely prevented a runway excursion but compromised landing performance.
- There was a delay in the application of maximum reverse thrust following touchdown.
Safety action
- The operator issued an Operational Notice reinforcing the requirement to conduct a go-around if an approach is not stabilized by 1,000 ft.
- The operator implemented a policy to reject landings if the aircraft does not touch down within the designated touchdown zone.
- A safety recommendation was made to the Cayman Islands Airport Authority to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the Automated Weather Observing System at the airport.