What happened
On the day of the incident, the crew of FLI670, operating an Airbus A320 (registration OY-CRG), prepared for a visual approach to runway 33 at Stord Airport. The crew decided on this runway to shorten the approach, noting a slight tailwind component. The aircraft carried 12 passengers.
During the final approach, the aircraft maintained a ground speed of approximately 120 kt as it crossed the threshold, which was higher than the recommended Vref of 112 kt. The aircraft touched down on the runway, and the crew attempted to deploy spoilers and brakes. However, the first officer noted that the spoiler indicator lights failed to illuminate.
As the aircraft continued its rollout, the pilot experienced a significant loss of braking effectiveness. After the aircraft reached approximately 80 kt, the pilot attempted to use different brake settings, including the emergency brake, but could not achieve sufficient deceleration. The aircraft began making loud, persistent screeching noises from the tires and produced a large amount of white spray and smoke from the main wheels.
In an attempt to stop the aircraft and avoid hitting rocks or steep terrain, the pilot steered the aircraft toward the right side of the runway and then maneuvered it to skid left. The Airbus A320 eventually left the runway at a 45-degree angle, banking violently to the right as it exited the paved surface. The airport's crash alarm was activated immediately following the excursion.
Findings
- The aircraft's ground speed at the runway threshold was approximately 120 kt, exceeding the calculated Vref of 112 kt.
- The crew reported that the spoilers failed to deploy as expected, with the first officer noting the lack of indicator lights.
- The pilot experienced a sudden loss of braking performance halfway down the runway, which prevented the aircraft from stopping within the available distance.
- The aircraft exited the runway in a skid, with the pilot attempting to use friction to reduce speed.