What happened
On 03 February 2015, an ATR 72-600, registration PK-GAG, was performing a scheduled passenger flight from Bali to Lombok. The flight, operated by PT. Garuda Indonesia, carried 34 people, including 29 passengers and three pilots. During the landing phase at Lombok International Airport, the aircraft experienced a series of bounces on runway 13.
Following the third touchdown, the aircraft began to deviate from the runway centerline. The aircraft traveled approximately 180 meters onto the runway shoulder, eventually coming to a stop about 33 meters from the pavement edge. The nose landing gear subsequently collapsed into the soft soil of the runway strip, causing damage to the front lower fuselage. The crew declared a "mayday" and initiated an emergency evacuation through the left door. There were no injuries to any persons on board.
The investigation
Investigators examined flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) data to reconstruct the landing sequence. The investigation focused on the crew's control transfers during the final approach, the aircraft's handling during the bounces, and the physical condition of the runway strip.
Data revealed that the aircraft's power levers were difficult to move to the ground idle position during the landing due to the idle gate mechanism, which remained engaged because the aircraft was still effectively in a flight state during the bounces. The investigation also looked into the structural integrity of the runway strip after the nose gear became trapped in the soil.
Findings
- The crew performed two transfers of control at a critical altitude without clear verbal communication, leading to uncertainty regarding which pilot had full control.
- The pilot applied right rudder during the bounce, which was contrary to the prevailing wind conditions, contributing to the aircraft turning toward the right side of the runway.
- The aircraft's nose landing gear collapsed because the strength of the runway strip did not meet the required safety standards for supporting the aircraft weight.
Safety action
Following the incident, the operator issued a safety alert regarding alertness during critical phases of flight. The KNKT issued recommendations to the airline to emphasize crosswind handling and review policies regarding control transfers at critical altitudes. Additionally, the airport operator was advised to improve the surface condition of the runway strip to comply with regulations.