What happened
On 18 January 2018, a Bombardier CRJ1000, registration PK-GRP, operated by PT. Garuda Indonesia, was performing a scheduled passenger flight from Ambon to Surabaya. The flight, GA681, was carrying 57 passengers and six crew members.
As the aircraft approached Juanda International Airport, air traffic controllers reported heavy rain and reduced visibility of 1,000 meters. During the landing sequence, the pilot monitoring noted a 17-knot headwind and a 14-knot crosswind component from the left. Upon touchdown at 1018 UTC, the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) noted a vertical acceleration of 1.9 g. Immediately following touchdown, the aircraft drifted to the right, exiting the runway pavement near taxiway N6. The pilot managed to regain control by applying full left rudder, bringing the aircraft back onto the runway near taxiway N5, where brakes and thrust reversers were applied.
The investigation
The KNKT investigation focused on the flight's descent, the meteorological conditions, and the aircraft's movement on the runway. Investigators examined the FDR and CVR data, as well as wheel marks found on the runway shoulder. The investigation confirmed that the right main wheel marks began approximately 3 meters outside the runway surface. The aircraft sustained dents on the right inboard flap lower skin, and one runway light was damaged during the excursion. All crew members were found to hold valid licenses and medical certificates, and the aircraft possessed a valid Certificate of Airworthiness.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in heavy rain with visibility significantly reduced to 1,000 meters.
- A significant crosswind component of 14 knots was present during the landing.
- The aircraft experienced a high vertical acceleration of 1.9 g at the moment of touchdown.
- The aircraft veered off the pavement due to the lateral forces acting on the aircraft during the landing roll.
Safety action
Following the incident, the aircraft operator issued a notice to flight crews emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to procedures regarding wet runway operations and adverse weather. Additionally, corrective training was conducted for the pilot involved.