What happened
On April 8, 2015, an A320-214, registration PR-MHV, was performing a regular transport flight from Recife to Brasília. While executing the RNAV (GNSS) Y approach for runway 2/29R at Pres. Juscelino Kubitschek Airport, the crew reached the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) and had the runway in sight. At this point, the crew disengaged the autopilot to continue the approach using visual references.
During the final stages of the approach, the weather conditions deteriorated rapidly as light rain transitioned into heavy rain. This sudden change caused the crew to lose visual contact with the runway. In an attempt to execute a go-around, the crew initiated a rejected landing procedure; however, the aircraft lost altitude during the maneuver and touched down prior to the runway threshold. Upon touchdown, the right main landing gear struck a runway threshold light.
Following the incident, the crew performed a second RNAV (GNSS) Y approach and landed the aircraft safely. There were no injuries among the 154 passengers or 6 crewmembers on board.
The investigation
CENIPA conducted an investigation into the serious incident, with participation from the French BEA. The investigation examined flight data monitoring (FDM) records, which confirmed that the crew applied TOGA thrust during the missed approach. The investigation also reviewed meteorological data, noting that the area forecast had predicted thunderstorms and rain showers, and that a SIGMET had been issued for embedded thunderstorms in the region.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained minor damage to the fuselage from shrapnel and damage to the right main landing gear tires.
- The runway threshold light was damaged and required replacement.
- Sudden heavy rain led to the loss of visual runway references.
- The aircraft experienced an undershoot landing due to loss of altitude during the rejected landing procedure.