What happened
On 13 December 2002, an Arrow Air flight traveling from Yokota, Japan, to Singapore was cleared to land on Runway 20R at Changi Airport. Prior to arrival, the crew received weather updates indicating heavy rain, low-level windshear, and thunderstorm activity in the vicinity. During the approach, the first officer reported difficulty seeing the approach lights due to ineffective windshield wiper performance on his side of the cockpit.
As the aircraft descended, the pilot in command noted a slight drift from the runway centerline and instructed the first officer to correct the deviation. The aircraft continued its approach at approximately 148 knots using flaps 35. During the landing phase, the pilot in command noted that the aircraft was floating significantly down the runway. The aircraft eventually touched down approximately 1,500 metres from the end of the runway, which was much further down the strip than the typical touchdown point for that runway.
Upon touchdown, the crew deployed spoilers and thrust reversers, though the reverser for engine number four was slow to engage. Despite heavy braking efforts by the crew, the aircraft failed to stop before the runway end. The aircraft exited the runway at approximately 60 knots, veered to the right, and entered a muddy area. During the excursion, the nose landing gear collapsed. The aircraft came to a halt in a grassy, saturated area roughly 300 metres beyond the runway threshold. There were no fatalities and no fire was reported, and the crew successfully evacuated through the L1 door with help from emergency services.
Findings
- The aircraft touched down significantly beyond the normal touchdown zone, a fact noted by both air traffic controllers and airport emergency personnel.
- Heavy rain and poor visibility contributed to the difficulty in maintaining visual references during the final stages of the approach.
- The aircraft experienced a delayed deployment of the thrust reverser on engine number four.