What happened
On 9 March 2009, a Lion Air Boeing McDonnell Douglas MD-90, registration PK-LIL, was performing a scheduled flight from Makassar to Jakarta. During the approach to runway 25L at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, the weather was characterized by rain and 20-knot winds.
As the aircraft descended, the pilot in command took control from the copilot. While passing through 400 feet, the pilot disengaged the autopilot. At approximately 50 feet above the ground, the aircraft began drifting toward the right side of the runway. The aircraft touched down left of the centerline and subsequently drifted further right. In an attempt to correct the deviation, the pilot deployed the thrust reversers; however, only the right thrust reverser was engaged, while the left remained inactive. This asymmetric thrust caused the aircraft to crab heavily along the runway, eventually coming to a stop 90 degrees to the runway track. The impact caused the main landing gear to collapse and damaged the right wing and flaps.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight data, cockpit voice recorder, and wreckage. Investigators identified ground scrapes and damage to the right wing tip and landing light, which indicated that the right wing struck the ground prior to the main wheels making contact. This evidence suggested the aircraft was performing an unstabilized approach at 100 feet. The investigation also confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy and maintained according to regulations, and that the crew was properly licensed. The physical evidence of the nose wheel marks showed the aircraft drifted off the runway and back toward the shoulder before reaching its final resting position.
Findings
- The aircraft was not in a stabilized configuration during the final 100 feet of the approach.
- The pilot's attempt to correct the drift using thrust reversers was unsuccessful because only the right-side reverser was deployed.
- The right wing tip and landing light struck the runway surface before the main landing gear touchdown.
- There were no mechanical failures or pre-existing defects found in the aircraft's systems prior to the landing.
Safety action
Following the investigation, the NTSC issued recommendations to Lion Air to review their pilot training programs, specifically focusing on simulator sessions and Cockpit Resource Management (CRM) requirements. Additionally, a recommendation was made to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation regarding pilot license renewal processes.