What happened
On October 3, 2016, at approximately 12:34 p.m. local time, an Airbus A340-300, registration LV-CSX, operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas, was involved in a serious incident during landing at Punta Cana International Airport, Dominican Republic. The aircraft was performing a commercial flight arriving from Ezeiza, Argentina.
During the approach to runway 08, the aircraft touched down 41 meters before the runway threshold. In the process of landing short of the pavement, the aircraft struck three runway threshold lights. The impact resulted in the deflation of two main landing gear tires. There were no fatalities and no injuries among the 2-person crew or the 277 passengers on board.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation examined the flight crew's actions, the aircraft's mechanical condition, and the environmental factors. Investigators reviewed the flight crew's statements, analyzed the PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) light configurations observed during the approach, and inspected the damage to the aircraft and the runway infrastructure. The investigation also included a review of the aircraft's maintenance history and the meteorological conditions at the time of the event.
Findings
- The aircraft made contact with the ground 41 meters before the threshold of runway 08.
- During the final approach, the crew observed three red lights and one indeterminate light on the PAPI system, indicating the aircraft was flying below the correct glide slope.
- The captain reported that no flare maneuver was performed at the time of touchdown.
- The PAPI system was found to be operating correctly, with no reported malfunctions by other aircraft in the area.
- The crew's failure to adhere to standard operating procedures regarding the glide slope was the primary contributing factor.
- Mechanical and environmental factors, including weather and aircraft maintenance, were not contributing to the incident.
Safety action
- The CIAA issued a recommendation to Aerolíneas Argentinas to refresh flight crews on the importance of strict adherence to the procedures outlined in the company's operations manual.