Factual Information
On 7 September 2019, a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, registration B-1949, operated by China Shanghai Airlines, was conducting a circling approach to runway 18R at Gimhae International Airport. The flight crew attempted to land on the designated runway but instead touched down on runway 18L, an unauthorized runway for the approach. The incident was classified as a serious incident by the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) of the Republic of Korea.
Flight History
The flight was performing a VOR/DME-A circling approach to runway 18L/R. According to the investigation, the aircraft established a narrow downwind leg after the final turn, leading to a misalignment with the intended runway. The crew focused heavily on flight instruments during the final approach, which contributed to the deviation. The aircraft landed on runway 18L, which was not the runway authorized for the procedure.
Analysis
The ARAIB analysis identified that the narrow downwind leg width determined by B-1949 and the crew's excessive focus on flight instruments after the final turn were key factors. The airport's lead-in light system and PAPI configuration were examined, and it was noted that the runway markings and lighting may have contributed to the misidentification.
Conclusions
The investigation concluded that the incident resulted from a combination of factors, including the crew's deviation from the standard circling approach pattern and insufficient visual reference during the final approach. The probable cause, as stated in the report, was not explicitly provided in the source.