What happened
On September 13, 2012, EVA Air flight BR189, an A330-300 with registration B-16331, was operating a scheduled passenger service from Tokyo Narita Airport to Taipei Songshan Airport. The flight carried 218 passengers and 14 cabin crew members, along with two pilots.
Prior to arrival, the flight crew had been informed of forecasted thunderstorms in the destination area. During the approach to Runway 10, the crew reported visibility of approximately 7,000 meters with haze, though heavy rain showers were present. As the aircraft approached the runway, the crew noted that while the runway was visible from 3 to 4 nautical miles out, the far end of the runway became obscured by the weather.
At approximately 12:43 local time, the aircraft touched down on the right side of the runway centerline. During the subsequent landing roll, the aircraft drifted right and exited the runway. The aircraft traveled approximately 1,000 feet before the crew was able to steer it back onto the runway surface. There were no injuries to the passengers or crew, and the aircraft sustained no damage. However, two runway edge lights at the airport were damaged during the excursion.
The investigation
The investigation examined the weather conditions, the aircraft's flight path, and the crew's performance. Investigators reviewed the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (SSFDR) to analyze the approach and landing phase. The investigation also looked into the airport's lighting configuration and the crew's decision-making regarding a potential go-around during the heavy rain.
Findings
- The aircraft was on a stable approach that met Category I standards; however, heavy rain showers caused a sudden reduction in visibility during the landing phase.
- Due to the heavy rain, the crew was unable to maintain precise aircraft control, leading to the aircraft drifting right of the centerline.
- The crew failed to execute a timely decision to initiate a go-around despite the deteriorating visibility.
- The crew did not effectively correct the aircraft's lateral position after touchdown.
- While the crew demonstrated situational awareness by preparing for a go-around (setting the ignition switches) prior to the heavy rain, they did not take the most appropriate action as the weather worsened.
- The monitoring pilot failed to use standard callouts when the aircraft's speed exceeded established limits.
- The use of Flap 3 configuration resulted in a longer flare distance, which, combined with low visibility, reduced the crew's ability to visually reference the runway.
- The lack of runway centerline lights at the time contributed to the difficulty in maintaining the aircraft on the centerline during the landing roll.
Safety action
- EVA Air was advised to enhance training for flight crews regarding situational awareness and aircraft control during the flare and post-touchdown phases, specifically when visual references are degraded.
- EVA Air was advised to ensure strict adherence to standard callouts and to develop procedures for standard callouts regarding lateral deviations after touchdown.
- The Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) was advised to oversee training improvements and to review the completeness of standard callout procedures across airlines.
- The CAA was advised to evaluate the feasibility of installing runway centerline lights at Songshan Airport Runway 10 to improve pilot visual references.