What happened
On February 26, 2011, an EVA Air flight, BR 757, operating an Airbus A330-203 with registration B-16303, arrived at Taoyuan International Airport from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport. The flight carried 135 passengers and 10 crew members.
During the landing on runway 06, the aircraft's left main gear briefly drifted off the runway centerline. The flight crew contacted the tower and brought the aircraft to a stop on the runway to conduct an initial assessment. After taxiing to a taxiway for further inspection, it was determined that there was no damage to the aircraft and no injuries were sustained by the passengers or crew.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft' and weather data, including the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR). Investigators analyzed the visibility conditions, which were characterized by fog and low clouds. The investigation also reviewed the airport's lighting systems, specifically the approach and runway lighting, and evaluated the crew's decision-making processes regarding weather-related risks.
Findings
- The aircraft encountered low-level scattered clouds and localized fog during the final approach, which caused intermittent loss of visual references. This lack of visual cues during the flare prevented the crew from detecting a left wing low condition.
- The flight crew demonstrated insufficient situational awareness regarding the changing weather conditions and failed to implement a comprehensive plan for the deteriorating visibility.
- Although the crew recognized the weather as a threat, they did not decide to execute a go-around once they reached the decision height and lost sufficient visual contact with the runway.
- The airport's approach lighting system did not meet ICAO Annex 14 standards, and the lack of runway centerline lights contributed to the difficulty in maintaining the centerline during the landing roll.
Safety action
- EVA Air was advised to enhance crew training regarding unstable visibility, situational awareness, and procedures for executing immediate go-arounds when visual references are lost.
- Taoyuan International Airport was advised to study the feasibility of installing runway centerline lights and to upgrade approach lighting systems to meet ICAO standards.
- The Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) was advised to oversee improvements in crew training and to monitor airport lighting maintenance and monitoring capabilities.