Factual Information
On 28 March 2014, an ATR 72-212A (registered PK-WFR) operated by PT. Wings Abadi Air was conducting a scheduled passenger flight from Pomala Airport to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport, Makassar, Indonesia. The aircraft departed at 0710 UTC (1510 LT) with two pilots, two flight attendants, and 73 passengers on board. The Second in Command (SIC) was the Pilot Flying (PF), and the Pilot in Command (PIC) was the Pilot Non Flying (PNF).
Event Sequence
The flight initially vectored to avoid cumulonimbus clouds southeast of Makassar via the MKS VOR, then proceeded for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to runway 03. At approximately 1500 feet, the Hasanuddin Tower controller provided landing clearance with wind information indicating wind from 120° up to 23 knots. Considering the wind conditions and the SIC's experience, the PIC took over control of the aircraft, and the SIC assumed the PNF role. The PIC noted that the right side of the final approach course was obscured by dark, thick cloud, while the left side remained clear.
At 08:00 UTC, the aircraft touched down normally within the touchdown zone. The pilot applied brakes and reverse thrust. Flight Data Recorder (FDR) data showed that after touchdown, left rudder was applied gradually from 3° to 27°, while the aircraft heading varied between 026° and 031°. The left rudder input then decreased and changed to right rudder, reaching up to 26°, causing the heading to shift from 030° to 074°. The aircraft subsequently veered to the right and departed the runway pavement, skidding and coming to a stop 15 meters from the runway edge. No injuries occurred. The aircraft sustained minor damage, primarily to the landing gear doors.
Investigation Findings
The investigation, conducted by the Komite Nasional Keselamatan Transportasi (KNKT), concluded that the aircraft exited the runway due to incorrect rudder application while compensating for crosswind effects. The report noted that this might have stemmed from pilot confusion regarding crosswind effects, possibly resulting from inadequate training. Safety actions were taken by PT. Wings Abadi Air following the incident, and the KNKT issued safety recommendations to the airline and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).