Boeing 737 Runway Excursion at Wamena Airport

Casualties unknown • Wamena Airport, Papua, ID

A Cardig Air Boeing 737-300 freighter overran the runway at Wamena Airport during a landing in weather conditions that fell below established VFR minimums.

What happened

On 24 October 2014, a Boeing 737-300 freighter, registration PK-BBS, operated by PT. Cardig Air, was performing a scheduled cargo flight from Jayapura to Wamena, Indonesia. During the approach to Runway 15, the aircraft encountered weather conditions including rain and visibility estimated at 3.7 km, which were below the required Visual Flight Rules (VFR) minimums.

Despite the weather, the crew proceeded with the landing. Upon touchdown, the pilot applied full reverse thrust, but the aircraft failed to decelerate as expected. The aircraft continued along the runway and eventually came to a stop in the unpaved Runway End Safety Area (RESA). Following the stop, the crew attempted to taxi the aircraft back to the apron. During this taxi, the engines ingested debris from the excavated surface of the RESA, causing damage to the fan blades of both engines and the left horizontal stabilizer.

The investigation

The KNKT investigation examined flight data from the FDR and CVR, as well as video footage of the approach and landing. The investigation established that the aircraft was airworthy and operating within weight and balance limits prior to the event.

Investigators found a discrepancy in published runway information; while the AIP indicated a shorter runway, the actual available length was 2050 meters. The investigation also noted that the touchdown occurred approximately 719 meters beyond the normal touchdown zone. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the pilot's decision to taxi through the RESA and the resulting engine damage caused by foreign object damage (FOD).

Probable cause

The primary cause of the excursion was that the approach was conducted in weather conditions below the established VFR minimums, which resulted in a touchdown significantly beyond the normal touchdown zone.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-10-24 Boeing 737-300F accident near Wamena Airport, Papua, ID?

A Cardig Air Boeing 737-300 freighter overran the runway at Wamena Airport during a landing in weather conditions that fell below established VFR minimums.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-10-24 involved a Boeing 737-300F, registration PK-BBS, operated by Cardig Air, at Wamena Airport, Papua, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the excursion was that the approach was conducted in weather conditions below the established VFR minimums, which resulted in a touchdown significantly beyond the normal touchdown zone.

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