History of the Flight
On 6 March 2021, an Airbus A320 aircraft, registration PK-LUT, operated by PT Batik Air on a scheduled passenger flight from Sultan Thaha Airport (WIJJ), Jambi, with intended destination of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (WIII), Jakarta. At 1302 LT (0602 UTC) in daylight conditions, the aircraft began pushback, intending to head southeast to take off from runway 31. During the start of the right engine, the WHEEL N/W STRG FAULT (nose wheel steering fault) alert appeared on the Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor (ECAM). No ECAM action was required. After pushback was completed and the parking brake set, the left engine was started, and the alert reappeared.
Crew Actions and Taxi
The pilot in command (PIC) asked a ground engineer assisting the pushback to check the bypass pin position. The engineer removed and reinserted the nose wheel steering disconnect pin to confirm correct positioning. After engine start, the pilots reviewed the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) and identified the issue as a category A4 item. Following the MEL operational procedure, the PIC decided to continue. During initial taxi, the PIC found that the nose wheel steering could not turn the nose wheel. The aircraft stopped, and the PIC discussed the problem with an engineer, who suggested resetting the anti-skid and nose wheel steering selector. The PIC declined, citing that the MEL operational procedure did not permit the reset. The PIC then resumed taxi, using differential braking and asymmetric engine thrust to steer, including a 180° turn for lineup on the runway.
Departure and Return
At 1328 LT, the aircraft departed. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage showed the nose wheel was tilted during the takeoff roll. Rubber marks were found on the runway from 26 meters after the threshold marks to approximately 800 meters. After takeoff, the landing gear could not be retracted. The flight returned, and the aircraft touched down at 1351 LT. Shortly after touchdown, Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) personnel heard a sound like a tire burst. The tower controller observed sparks from the nose landing gear during the landing roll, informed the pilot, and activated the crash alarm. ARFF deployed but found no fire. Passengers and crew disembarked on the runway via stairs and were bussed to the terminal. No injuries were reported.
Damage to Aircraft
The nose landing gear sustained damage. The extent of damage to other parts is not specified. Other damage was limited to rubber marks on the runway.
Personnel Information
The PIC held an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and had significant experience on the Airbus A320. The second in command (SIC) held a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and had less experience on type. Further details are not provided.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was an Airbus A320, registration PK-LUT, operated by PT Batik Air. The investigation is ongoing.
Findings and Safety Action
The investigation by the Komite Nasional Keselamatan Transportasi (KNKT) is ongoing. KNKT acknowledged safety actions taken by PT Batik Air and considered them relevant to improving safety; therefore, no safety recommendations were issued at this stage.