What happened
On 20 June 2019, an Etihad Airways Airbus A320-232, registration A6-EIT, was performing a scheduled passenger flight from Abu Dhabi to Calicut International Airport. The flight, carrying 124 people, initially attempted an ILS approach to runway 28 but executed a go-around due to heavy rain reported by air traffic control.
During a second approach approximately 16 minutes later, the aircraft touched down off the runway centerline. As the right main landing gear moved onto the runway shoulder, it struck five runway edge lights. The pilot was able to steer the aircraft back to the centerline and complete the landing roll without further incident.
The investigation
The UAE Air Accident Investigation Sector (AAIS) conducted the inquiry, delegated by the Indian authorities. The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the lateral deviation and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. Investigators examined flight recorder data, cockpit voice recordings, and the airport' and operator's infrastructure and procedures.
Findings
Investigators determined that the primary cause of the incident was that the aircraft drifted toward the right side of the runway after crossing the threshold, driven by a continuous right roll input.
Several contributing factors were identified:
- The lack of runway centerline lighting and the presence of heavy rain reduced visual references for the crew.
- The pilot flying experienced a loss of situational awareness due to the expectation that the aircraft would remain aligned, as it was centered when crossing the threshold.
- Subconscious, unintentional roll inputs were applied by the pilot flying.
- The flight control recovery technique used was ineffective, as the pilot applied incremental left rudder without the necessary associated left roll.
- The pilot monitoring noticed the deviation but failed to intervene or alert the commander, which was a breach of standard operating procedures.
- High workload and the sudden nature of the deviation led to a delayed corrective rudder input after touchdown.
Safety action
Following the incident, Etihad Airways implemented several changes, including updated arrival instructions for Calicut, emphasizing caution regarding ILS glideslope fluctuations and the risks of using autopilot below 400 feet. The airline also updated its manual to note that only the captain should perform landings at this location, except in specific instructor-led scenarios.
The AAIS issued safety recommendations to Etihad Airways regarding crew resource management, specifically the need for more assertive callouts from the pilot monitoring. Additionally, a recommendation was made to the Calicut Airport Authority to review airport infrastructure, specifically the lack of centerline lighting, to mitigate risks during adverse weather.