Dornier 328 Excursion at Tanah Merah Airport

Casualties unknown • Tanah Merah Airstrip, Papua, ID

A Dornier 328-100 veered off the runway at Tanah Merah Airport during landing, resulting in substantial engine damage and no injuries to the 36 occupants.

What happened

On 14 June 2009, a Dorn and 328-100, registration PK-TXN, operated by ExpressAir, was performing a scheduled passenger flight from Jayapura to Tanah Merah. The flight, carrying 33 passengers and 3 crew members, executed a normal approach and touchdown on runway 25.

During the landing roll, the pilot in command utilized reverse thrust to decelerate. Once the aircraft reached a ground speed of approximately 60 knots, the crew moved the condition levers to the minimum position. Immediately following this action, the aircraft experienced an abrupt rightward deviation. Despite the application of full left rudder and braking, the aircraft exited the runway and entered the muddy shoulder. The right wheels sank into the soft ground, causing the right propeller blades to strike the earth. The impact fractured the blades and tore the propeller assembly from the engine, resulting in substantial damage to the right engine and wing tip. All 36 occupants evacuated the aircraft without injury.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the landing roll and the operational procedures used by the crew. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance logs, which showed no defects contributing to the accident, and reviewed the meteorological conditions, which were stable with calm winds and good visibility.

Analysis of the flight mechanics revealed that the aircraft's deviation coincided with the reduction of the condition levers. The investigation also looked into the pilot's recent flight history and the company's training and oversight protocols.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot in command selecting the condition lever to the minimum position at a ground speed of 60 knots, which exceeded the procedural limit of 30 knots, leading to an uncontrollable rightward swing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2009-06-14 Dornier accident near Tanah Merah Airstrip, Papua, ID?

A Dornier 328-100 veered off the runway at Tanah Merah Airport during landing, resulting in substantial engine damage and no injuries to the 36 occupants.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2009-06-14 involved a Dornier, registration PK-TXN, operated by Express Air, at Tanah Merah Airstrip, Papua, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot in command selecting the condition lever to the minimum position at a ground speed of 60 knots, which exceeded the procedural limit of 30 knots, leading to an uncontrollable rightward swing.

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