What happened
On 23 February 2010, a DHC-8-402 Dash 8, registration G-FLBD, was performing a scheduled passenger flight from Athens to Chania Airport, Greece. The flight was being conducted as a line check, with a Line Training Captain occupying the jump seat.
During the descent, the commander intended to perform a visual approach to Runway 11, utilizing VOR/D/ME altitude and range crosschecks to maintain the vertical profile. Although a NOTAM was in effect stating that the first 800 metres of the runway were unserviceable due to resurfacing work—effectively creating a displaced threshold—the crew did not account for this change during their approach.
As the aircraft neared the ground, the pilot flying realized the flight path was aligned with the standard touchdown zone rather than the displaced threshold. The commander immediately increased power to adjust the glide path, successfully touching down at the correct point on the runway. There were no injuries and no damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the cockpit procedures and the availability of aeronautical information. While the ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information System) "HOTEL" included a warning regarding the new runway threshold, the crew did not recall receiving this specific detail. Furthermore, the controllers at Chania Approach and Tower did not repeat the information regarding the displaced threshold during their transmissions, though they did confirm the crew had acknowledged the current ATIS information.
Investigators also noted that the closed runway markings were difficult to distinguish in the bright sunlight, and the crew had no memory of seeing the PAPI lights indicating the displaced threshold. A third crew member was present in the cockpit but was unable to monitor the radio due to a technical fault with his communications station box.
Findings
- The crew failed to identify the displaced threshold during their approach preparations.
- The pilot flying failed to recognize the displaced threshold until late in the final approach.
- The bright sunlight rendered the closed runway markings difficult to perceive.
- The presence of a third crew member did not provide an additional layer of monitoring because the individual could not use the aircraft intercom or radio.