What happened
On a domestic flight from Kota Kinabalu to Kudat, a de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter 310 operated by MASwings experienced a series of complications during its approach to Kudat Airport. While initially attempting to land on runway 04, the crew identified a significant tailwind, noting that the indicated airspeed was much higher than expected for the configured flaps. Following this observation, the crew initiated a go-around at 500 feet to reposition for an approach on runway 22.
During the second approach on runway 22, the aircraft descended to 200 feet with flaps set to the full down position. As the aircraft reached approximately 20 feet above the runway surface, a sudden wind gust caused the plane to veer sharply to the right, resulting in a significant bank and a 45-degree heading deviation from the runway centerline. The crew attempted an immediate go-around by applying maximum power; however, the aircraft struggled to climb due to the high drag from the full flaps configuration and a loss of airspeed.
The aircraft continued to drift right of the runway at a low altitude. The flight path led the aircraft into the airfield perimeter trees, after which it struck a tree behind a residential structure. The aircraft proceeded to impact the roof of a house, causing extensive damage to the kitchen, dining, and toilet areas, and struck concrete garage pillars. The aircraft finally came to rest on the ground with one engine still operational. The accident resulted in two fatalities and four injuries.
Findings
- The crew attempted a go-around during a critical phase of flight while the aircraft was in a full flaps configuration, which hindered the ability to climb effectively.
- A sudden wind gust during the final moments before touchdown caused the aircraft to lose directional control and veer off the runway centerline.