What happened
On 22 November 2012, a Boeing 737-300, registration PK-YVZ, operated by Batavia Air as flight Y6-206, experienced a serious incident during takeoff from Supadio Airport in Pontianak, Kalimantan. While the aircraft was transitioning through the rotation phase, the flight crew heard a loud bang accompanied by significant vibration and a rightward yaw.
Following the takeoff, the crew noted that the left-hand main landing gear red warning light remained illuminated despite attempts to recycle the landing gear handle. During the flight, a passenger who was a qualified engineer inspected the wheel well area through a cabin viewing window and found no obvious external damage. Air Traffic Control at Supadio Airport later informed the crew that an airport safety officer had discovered deer remains near taxiway D, suggesting the aircraft had struck a deer during its takeoff roll.
Despite the mechanical indication, the crew elected to continue the flight to Soekarium Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. Upon landing on Runway 25L, the aircraft experienced heavy vibrations and lateral movement along the centerline. The aircraft sustained minor damage, including broken components in the left main landing gear assembly, a missing inner door, and a dented inboard spoiler.
The investigation
The NTSC investigation focused on the sequence of events from the takeoff roll to the landing in Jakarta. Investigators examined the aircraft's flight data and cockpit voice recorders to analyze the impact and subsequent mechanical failures. The investigation also reviewed the physical evidence found on the airfield, specifically the remains of the animal, and inspected the damage to the Boeing 737-300's landing gear and wing panels.
Findings
- The aircraft struck a deer during the takeoff phase at Supadio Airport.
- The impact caused a landing gear warning light to remain illuminated due to damage to the left main landing gear components.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the left main gear shimmy damper, torsion link, and anti-skid harness, as well as a missing inner gear door.
- Heavy vibrations were experienced during the landing roll in Jakarta due to the underlying mechanical damage.
Safety action
- The NTSC recommended that Batavia Air improve its emergency response plans regarding post-incident handling procedures.
- A recommendation was issued to the operator of Supadio Airport to ensure the airside remains sterilized from unauthorized personnel, foreign objects, and wildlife.