What happened
On January 17, 2015, a BD-700-1A11 (Global 5000), registration RP-C9363, operated by Challenger Aero Air Corporation, was involved in a runway excursion at Tacloban Airport. The aircraft was part of a larger flight group following a visit to the Leyte province. At the time of the incident, weather conditions were deteriorating due to the approach of Tropical Storm Amang, which brought moderate rain and strong winds to the region.
Following a delay in taxiing, the aircraft was cleared for takeoff on runway 36 at 1335H, bound for Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The flight was carrying two pilots and 14 passengers. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft began to veer left of the runway centerline near the terminal building. As the aircraft continued to drift, the left main landing gear exited the runway surface. The aircraft subsequently struck the concrete bases of runway edge lights and a concrete culvert before coming to a halt approximately 1,500 meters from the start of the takeoff roll. All passengers and crew were evacuated, and emergency personnel responded to the scene.
The investigation
The AAIIB examined the sequence of events, the environmental conditions, and the operational procedures of the crew. The investigation focused on the impact of the approaching tropical storm, the specific wind conditions during the takeoff roll, and the physical design of the runway infrastructure. Investigators also reviewed the training records of the flight crew and the coordination between the pilot and the co-pilot during the critical phase of flight.
Findings
- The investigation identified lack of recurrent training for the flight crew as a primary factor, noting that routine flight operations may not sufficiently prepare pilots for unexpected crosswinds or system anomalies.
- Human factors contributed to the incident, as the captain's ability to execute standard takeoff procedures was compromised by the sudden change in flight plans, the delay in takeoff clearance, and the worsening weather.
- A loss of coordination occurred when flight control duties were delegated to the first officer.
- The design of the runway edge light bases was a contributing factor, as the aircraft struck non-frangible concrete structures.
Safety action
- The operator is required to strictly adhere to recurrent training requirements for general aviation and corporate pilots.
- The CAAP is to enforce stricter recurrent training compliance during pilot license renewals and consider limiting the number of type ratings for jet aircraft pilots.
- The CAAP is tasked with reviewing and improving the design of runway edge lights at airports to ensure they are free from hazardous fixed objects.