Flight History
On 6 March 2012, an Airbus A319-133, registered 9V-SBH, operated by SilkAir as flight SLK 112, departed from Changi International Airport, Singapore, for Adi Soemarmo International Airport in Solo, Indonesia. The aircraft carried 131 persons: two pilots, five cabin crew, and 124 passengers (120 adults and 4 children). Prior to departure, the brake assembly number 2 (left hand) had been replaced during a night stop.
The aircraft landed at 0158 UTC on runway 16. During the landing roll, the air traffic controller at Marmo Tower observed smoke emanating from the left main landing gear and informed the flight crew. The controller's communication was delivered in unclear English, prompting a pilot from another aircraft to assist by translating between English and Indonesian.
Communication and Evacuation
For approximately five minutes, the SLK 112 pilot repeatedly asked Marmo Tower for clarification regarding the presence of smoke or fire. At 0204 UTC, the tower controller stated that there was a fire. Based on this information, the captain decided to conduct an emergency evacuation of passengers. The aircraft came to a stop between taxiway Bravo and the apron. Passengers disembarked using emergency slides; one passenger sustained a minor injury.
Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) of Indonesia investigated the incident. Examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence that a fire had occurred. The brake assembly was inspected, and residual grease was found on brake number 2, with a hole that could allow excess grease to migrate to the hot brake area. However, no fire damage was confirmed.
Additionally, the investigation found that the air traffic controllers on duty were not eligible to perform control duties. The NTSC issued recommendations to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and PT Angkasa Pura I / Air Navigation Indonesia to address the identified safety issues, including controller qualification standards and communication procedures.