Summary
On 26 September 2022, an ATR 72-212A (registration PK-PAH) operated by PT Pelita Air Service experienced a runway excursion during landing at Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport, Balikpapan. The aircraft veered right after touchdown, causing the right main wheel to depart the runway pavement. As the aircraft returned to the runway, the left main wheel struck a runway edge light. The aircraft then taxied to the parking stand and passengers disembarked.
History of the Flight
The flight (PAS140) was an unscheduled passenger service from LNG Badak Airport, Bontang to Balikpapan. Departure occurred at 0759 LT (2359 UTC) with 42 persons on board: two pilots, two flight attendants, and 38 passengers. The Pilot in Command acted as Pilot Monitoring and the Second in Command as Pilot Flying. During approach, the pilots received ATIS information at 0800 LT indicating wind 240° at 3 knots and visibility greater than 10 km. At 0827 LT, the aircraft established the localizer and was instructed to contact the tower. Visibility then decreased to 300 meters. The tower controller asked if the runway was in sight; the pilot reported it was not. At 0830 LT, the controller cleared the aircraft to land on Runway 25, advising wind 240° at 12 knots and a wet runway. The aircraft touched down and veered right, resulting in the excursion.
Injuries and Damage
The preliminary report does not specify any injuries to persons. Damage was limited to one runway edge light struck by the left main wheel; no aircraft damage was reported.
Personnel Information
The Pilot in Command held an Airline Transport Pilot License, and the Second in Command held a Commercial Pilot License. Further details of their experience and medical certificates are not included in this preliminary report.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was an ATR 72-212A, registration PK-PAH, operated by PT Pelita Air Service. The aircraft was on an unscheduled passenger flight.
Meteorological Information
At the time of the incident, the ATIS reported wind 240° at 3 knots and visibility greater than 10 km. The tower later reported wind 240° at 12 knots and a wet runway. Visibility had decreased to 300 meters during the approach.
Communications
The pilot communicated with the approach and tower controllers as described. The pilot reported that the runway was not in sight when visibility was low.
Airport Information
The incident occurred at Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport (WALL), Balikpapan, on Runway 25.
Flight Recorders
The investigation involves flight recorders (FDR and CVR), but details are not provided in this preliminary report.
Organizational Information
The operator, PT Pelita Air Service, conducted an inspection after the runway excursion and documented it in the mechanical defect and irregularities record. The airport operator and Air Traffic Services provider (AirNav Indonesia) were involved. The Civil Aviation Authority of Indonesia (DGCA) was notified.
Findings
The KNKT listed factual findings in the report, including that the runway was wet, visibility was low, and the aircraft veered right on touchdown. No analysis or conclusions were drawn.
Safety Actions
Safety actions have been taken by the aircraft operator, ATS provider, and airport operator, as noted in the report.
Safety Recommendations
The KNKT issued safety recommendations to AirNav Indonesia Branch Balikpapan.
Probable Cause
Not determined; the investigation is continuing.