What happened
On 5 July 2015, a Korean Air B737-800, registration HL8224, was performing an ILS approach to runway 6R at Guam International Airport under challenging weather conditions. The aircraft was operating during the night amidst heavy rain and the influence of a typhoon.
During the approach, the flight crew initially attempted a landing but executed a go-around at 30 feet because the runway could not be visually verified. On the subsequent approach, the aircraft touched down on the right edge of the runway approximately 2,000 feet past the threshold. Shortly after touchdown, a sudden crosswind from the left caused the aircraft to veer right. The plane departed the paved surface, with both main landing gears running through the grass for approximately 1,000 feet before the aircraft managed to reenter the runway at 4,400 feet past the threshold, where it eventually came to a stop. The incident resulted in no injuries to the 75 passengers or 7 crew members, but the aircraft engine and fuselage sustained damage, and several airport lights were destroyed.
The investigation
The ARAIB investigation focused on the flight crew's decision-making and the environmental factors present during the landing. Investigators examined the flight data, cockpit voice recordings, and the airline's operational procedures. The probe looked into the specific restrictions in the airline's K-File, which at the time prohibited auto landings at Guam due to previous over-flare issues. The investigation also reviewed the captain's training records, noting previous evaluations regarding thrust management and landing technique in crosswinds. Additionally, the investigators analyzed the meteorological conditions, including the reported braking action of 'FAIR' and the presence of a typhoon.
Findings
- The aircraft touched down significantly far down the runway on the right edge of the pavement.
- The captain made the decision to continue the landing attempt despite the lack of established visual references during the initial approach.
- A sudden crosswind caused the aircraft to veer off the paved surface.
- The captain failed to steer the aircraft back toward the centerline after the initial touchdown.
- The flight was conducted manually because company policy prohibited the use of autoland at this location.
- Previous training evaluations for the captain had identified issues with excessive thrust lever movement and improper power reduction during crosswind landings.