What happened
On January 8, 2020, an ATR 42-500, registration JA07JC, was performing a scheduled flight sequence involving several airports in Japan. While approaching Runway 03 at Amami Airport, the flight crew encountered significant wind conditions, with a reported wind direction of 310° and gusts reaching up to 40 knots.
During the approach, the aircraft experienced airspeed fluctuations due to the varying wind. Although the captain considered a go-around, he decided to continue the approach, believing the aircraft could be stabilized through corrective maneuvers. The approach briefing had notably omitted specific information regarding a crosswind landing.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft's heading began to drift toward the left. While the captain attempted to use the right rudder and nosewheel steering to correct the course, the aircraft's bank angle increased to the right. The aircraft eventually exited the paved surface and entered the grassy area on the left side of the runway, where it came to a stop and was unable to taxi further. There were 21 people on board, including 18 passengers, and no injuries were reported.
The investigation
The JTSB investigation examined flight data from the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR), as well as communications from the Amami Aerodrome Mobile Communication Station. Investigators analyzed the aircraft's flight path, the impact of the wind components, and the specific control inputs made by the crew during the landing roll. The investigation also reviewed the company's operating manuals and the coordination between the pilot flying and the pilot monitoring during the transition of control.