What happened
On 14 February 2013, a Singapore Airlines Airbus A380, registration 9V-SKT, arrived at Singapore Changi Airport from Narita, Japan. During the landing on Runway 02L, the aircraft encountered heavy rain and reduced visibility. As the pilot flying initiated the flare, the aircraft began to drift toward the right side of the runway.
Although the pilot considered performing a go-around, the aircraft touched down at a point approximately 650 meters from the threshold, 1ered 12 meters from the centerline. During the landing roll, the right main landing gear departed the paved surface, causing the aircraft to travel across a grass patch and over Taxiway W7 before returning to the runway. The incident resulted in no injuries to the 378 passengers or crew on board.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight data and cockpit recordings to determine why the aircraft drifted. While the pilot reported no intentional deviation, flight data recorder analysis revealed a right roll input from the pilot's side stick during the flare phase. This input caused the aircraft to move toward the right edge of the runway.
Post-flight inspections revealed that the right main landing gear had collected mud and grass, and the aircraft sustained damage to a landing gear hinge fitting and an electrical harness. Additionally, the excursion caused damage to five runway edge lights and four taxiway lights. The investigation also noted that runway friction levels were found to be within normal limits.