What happened
On the scheduled flight from Islamabad to Gilgit, the ATR 42-500 (registration AP-BHP) departed IIAP at 02:02 hours. During the initial climb, the crew utilized Vertical Speed mode via the autopilot, which caused the airspeed to drop below standard parameters. While the cruise phase at FL165 proceeded without incident, complications arose during the approach to Gilgit Airport.
As the aircraft descended toward the valley, the pilot flying maintained an airspeed of 245 knots, significantly exceeding the 200-knot standard operating procedure. Although the pilot monitoring noted this deviation, no corrective action was taken. The high speed triggered an EGPWS warning as the aircraft entered the valley. During the base leg, the crew encountered increasing tailwinds, which reached up to 19 knots at higher altitudes. Due to the excessive speed, the crew was unable to achieve the proper landing configuration during the approach.
The aircraft's landing gear was extended at 442 ft AGL while the speed remained above the recommended threshold. The pilot also executed an angled approach rather than the required semi-circular arc. The aircraft touched down at 02:47:50 hours at approximately 150 knots with flaps only set to 15 degrees. Following touchdown, the pilot applied brakes but failed to utilize thrust reversers. Consequently, the aircraft overran the runway, coming to a stop 41 feet past the threshold. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries reported in this incident.
Findings
- The pilot maintained an approach speed of 245 knots, which was well above the 200-knot limit prescribed by SOPs.
- The failure to achieve the correct landing configuration due to high approach speeds prevented a safe deceleration.
- The crew did not utilize thrust reversers during the landing roll.
- The approach geometry deviated from the standard semi-circular arc required for the terrain.