What happened
On 21 December 2015, a Kalstar Aviation Embraer 190-200 (Embraer 195), registration PK-KDC, was performing a scheduled passenger flight from Ende to Kupang. During the arrival at El Tari International Airport, the aircraft conducted an approach that deviated significantly from standard parameters. Flight data indicates the aircraft crossed the runway threshold at an altitude of 50 feet AGL with an indicated airspeed of 201 knots, which was approximately 63 knots above the target reference speed. Upon touchdown in the middle of the runway, the aircraft failed to stop within the available pavement, resulting in a runway overrun that caused damage to the right wing and a broken runway light.
The investigation
The KNKT examined flight data, voice recordings, and aircraft wreckage to reconstruct the landing sequence. The investigation focused on the aircraft's energy state during the final approach and the effectiveness of the braking systems. Investigators analyzed the autobrake settings, noting that the system was set to the "low" position and disengaged shortly after touchdown due to manual brake application. The investigation also reviewed the meteorological conditions and the operational procedures used by both the flight crew and the air traffic control unit in Kupang.
Findings
Several critical factors contributed to the excursion. The primary cause was an unstable approach characterized by excessive airspeed at the runway threshold. Specifically, the aircraft was traveling 63 knots faster than the required reference speed during the threshold crossing. Additionally, the autobrake was configured to a low setting, and the manual application of brakes led to the disengagement of the autobrake system. The investigation also identified issues regarding situational awareness and the lack of effective organizational oversight regarding stabilized approach criteria and runway condition reporting.