What happened
On March 3, a scheduled flight departed Istanbul for Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, carrying 224 passengers and 11 crew members. During the descent, the aircraft initially attempted to contact Kathmandu Control while under the supervision of Varanasi; however, no communication was established because the Kathmandu facility was not yet operational. Once the airport opened at 00:15 hrs, the aircraft established contact with Kathmandu Approach, reporting a holding pattern over Parsa. Due to low visibility and moderate turbulence, the crew requested a diversion to Simara, and were subsequently cleared to descend and hold.
Later in the flight, the crew expressed their intention to perform an RNAV (RNP) approach for runway 02. After an initial missed approach at 01:27 hrs due to a lack of visual references, the aircraft was cleared to continue the approach. While descending, the crew informed Kathmandu Tower that they could not see the runway, despite being cleared to land. As the aircraft descended to 783 ft AGL, the pilot inquired about the status of the approach lights, which the tower confirmed were at full intensity.
During the final stages of the landing, the autopilots remained engaged until the aircraft reached 14 ft AGL. The flight data recorder indicated a maximum vertical acceleration of 2.7 G, and the pitch at touchdown was only 1.8 degrees nose up, which was noted as being lower than a standard flare attitude. The aircraft touched down to the left of the runway centerline, with the left main gear missing the paved surface. The aircraft subsequently crossed taxiways E and D before coming to a stop on the grass between taxiway D and C. Following the landing, the crew requested medical and fire assistance and opted for a controlled disembarkation via stairs rather than an emergency evacuation. All 235 individuals on board were evacuated safely, though the aircraft was later determined to be a total loss.
Findings
- The aircraft touched down with an insufficient nose-up pitch attitude during the flare phase.
- The left main landing gear failed to make contact with the paved runway surface.
- The aircraft veered off the runway centerline, resulting in the vessel coming to rest on the grass area.