What happened
On the flight from Tuguegarao Airport to Manila-Ninoy Aquino International Airport, an ATR 72-500 operated by Cebu Pacific Air was executing a VOR/DME approach to runway 24. During the final stages of the approach, specifically at 7 miles from the runway, the flight was stable. However, as the aircraft reached 500 feet radio altitude, the crew encountered a sudden tailwind that caused an increase in both vertical speed and airspeed.
Following this change in wind conditions, the captain assumed control of the aircraft to continue the approach. During this phase, visibility dropped to zero, leading to a series of three bounced landings. In response to the unstable approach, the crew initiated a go-around procedure.
During the subsequent climb, the crew identified malfunctions affecting various cockpit instruments, specifically noting issues with the landing gear indicators and both transponders. Due to these technical discrepancies, the flight crew requested priority handling. Air traffic control provided vectors for a landing on runway 13. After the aircraft successfully landed, it taxied to stand F4, where all passengers and crew members deplaned without incident. There were zero injuries reported during the event.
Findings
- A sudden tailwind at 500 feet caused an increase in airspeed and vertical speed.
- Rapidly deteriorating visibility contributed to the aircraft bouncing on the runway multiple times.
- The aircraft experienced simultaneous malfunctions involving the landing gear indicators and transponder systems during the climb-out phase.