What happened
On 16 September 2007, a scheduled One Two Go Airlines flight, operating as OG269, was approaching Phuket International Airport. The aircraft, a McDonnell-Douglas MD-82 with registration HS-OMG, was carrying 123 passengers and 7 crew members. As the flight approached the airport, air traffic control notified the crew of significant weather activity, including cumulonimbus clouds and windshear reported by another aircraft vacating the runway.
During the approach, the crew received updates regarding increasing surface winds, which rose from 15 knots to 40 knots. As the aircraft descended, the pilot noted a significant drop in airspeed. At an altitude of approximately 100 feet, the pilot requested additional engine power because the aircraft had descended below the ILS glide path. Shortly after, the enhanced ground proximity warning system issued a sink rate alert as the aircraft reached 40 feet.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the co-pilot called for a go-around, which the pilot in command acknowledged. While the crew attempted to retract the landing gear and adjust the autopilot, the aircraft veered off the runway and struck an embankment north of Runway 27. The impact caused the plane to break up and catch fire. The accident resulted in 90 fatalities and 40 survivors, including 5 crew members.
Findings
- The aircraft encountered severe weather conditions, including high surface winds and windshear.
- The aircraft was unable to maintain the glide path due to a significant loss of airspeed and insufficient engine power during the transition to a go-around.