What happened
On 19 March 2017, an ATR 72-2 and12A, registration PK-PAV, operated by PT. Pelita Air Service, was performing a scheduled charter flight from Cilacap to Jakarta. The flight, carrying 22 passengers and four crew members, proceeded without any reported system malfunctions during the initial stages of the flight.
During the final approach to Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport, the aircraft's autopilot disengaged at approximately 500 feet. As the aircraft descended further, the flight data recorder noted the yaw damper was turned off at 200 feet above ground level. Following an EGPWS "TEN" callout, the aircraft touched down 14 seconds later. The tower controller observed the aircraft bounce several times upon contact with the runway. The aircraft eventually came to a halt near the intersection of taxiway A, having traveled a significant distance from the threshold.
The investigation
The investigation by the KNKT focused on the sequence of events leading to the touchdown and the resulting damage. Investigators identified substantial damage to the aircraft, specifically noting that both nosewheel tires had blown out, the nosewheel axle was bent, and the nosewheel hubs had been scraped by the runway surface. Additionally, cracks were discovered on the engine mounting strut bars and shock dampers for both engines.
Findings
- The aircraft touched down 14 seconds after the EGPWS altitude callout.
- The tower controller observed a bounced landing that caused the aircraft to strike the runway surface.
- The aircraft's nose landing gear sustained significant structural damage.
- According to the operator's flight crew training manual, a go-around should be initiated if an approach is not stabilized to avoid such occurrences.
Safety action
Following the incident, PT. Pelita Air Service revised its Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program to include enhanced inspection protocols for the CVR and FDR. The KNKT has recommended that the operator establish a monitoring system to ensure strict adherence to stabilized approach procedures.