FlightFinder
90 fatalities

2007-09-16: McDonnell Douglas MD-82 (HS-OMG) — One-Two-Go Airlines — Phuket, Thailand

Phuket, ThailandLanding (descent or approach)

On September 16, 2007, a McDonnell Douglas MD-82 (registration HS-OMG) operated by One-Two-Go Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Phuket, Thailand during landing or approach. 90 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the flight crew's failure to follow stabilized approach procedures and the failure to use the TO/GA switch during a missed approach amidst deteriorating weather. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781197913Data APIEditorial standards

A McDonnell-Douglas MD-82 crashed during a missed approach at Phuket International Airport, resulting in 90 fatalities.

What happened

On 16 September 2007, One Two Go Airlines flight OG269, an MD-82 with registration HS-OMG, was performing a scheduled arrival at Phuket International Airport. The aircraft was carrying 123 passengers and 7 crew members. As the flight approached Runway 27, air traffic control notified the crew of significant weather hazards, including cumulonimbus clouds and windshear reported by another aircraft in the vicinity.

During the approach, surface winds were reported to be increasing significantly, reaching 40 knots from 240 degrees. As the aircraft descended, the pilot monitoring noted a drop in airspeed to 136 knots. The pilot in command subsequently requested additional engine power as the aircraft drifted below the ILS glide path. At an altitude of approximately 100 feet, the ground proximity warning system alerted the crew to a high sink rate.

Although the co-pilot called for a go-around and the pilot in command agreed, the aircraft failed to climb effectively. During the attempt to execute the missed approach, control of the aircraft was transferred from the co-pilot to the pilot in command. At 15:40:11, the aircraft veered off the runway, struck an embankment north of Runway 27, and broke apart while on fire. The accident resulted in 90 fatalities and 40 survivors, including five members of the crew.

Findings

Investigators determined that the flight crew failed to adhere to standard operating procedures regarding stabilized approaches and emergency protocols. Key contributing factors included:

  • The failure to engage the Take Off/Go Around (TO/GA) switch, which prevented the necessary increase in airspeed and altitude.
  • Inadequate monitoring of engine power and throttle lever positions during the critical phase of flight.
  • Poor crew coordination and high workload levels during the emergency.
  • Sudden changes in local weather conditions near the airport.
  • Crew fatigue and stress resulting from insufficient rest.
  • The decision to transfer aircraft control at a highly critical moment during the go-around maneuver.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the flight crew's failure to follow stabilized approach procedures and the failure to use the TO/GA switch during a missed approach amidst deteriorating weather.

More accident analyses