Synopsis
On 21 May 2015, Villa Air Flight VP 661, an ATR 72-212A (600 series) registered as 8Q-VAS, experienced a runway excursion after landing at Gan International Airport in the Maldives. The aircraft, operating a scheduled passenger flight from Fuamulah Domestic Airport, carried 58 passengers and 4 crew. No injuries were reported. The aircraft sustained damage to its propellers and main landing gear wheels, and a runway light was damaged. The investigation concluded that the causal factor was loss of control after touchdown.
History of Flight
The flight departed Fuamulah Domestic Airport at 19:59:37 local time on 21 May 2015. The Captain was the Pilot Flying (PF) and the First Officer was the Pilot Monitoring (PM). After takeoff, the crew contacted Gan Tower, which reported wind at 250 degrees at 15 knots, QNH 1012, temperature 28°C, runway 28 in use, and moderate rain over the field. The crew discussed the weather and noted that the Captain's windshield wiper was unserviceable, deferred under Minimum Equipment List (MEL) category C. The Captain expressed concern about dispatching the aircraft with the faulty wiper.
During the descent, the crew discussed the possibility of diverting to Kaadehdhoo Airport (KDM) due to weather. On final approach, the PF had difficulty seeing the runway and suggested the PM take over if able. At approximately 500 feet above ground level, the crew exchanged controls, but the new PF (formerly PM) could not see the runway. The aircraft landed 47 seconds later.
Flight data monitoring showed that the main landing gear touched down left of the centerline before the touchdown zone markings. The aircraft skidded left, departed the runway, and traveled through grass for about 213 meters (702 feet) before returning to the runway. The crew informed the tower and taxied to the apron via Taxiway B. A visual inspection was conducted before passenger disembarkation.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft, an ATR 72-212A (600) manufactured in 2013, had accumulated 3,343.4 total flight hours. It was powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW127M engines and Hamilton SunStrand propellers. The left-hand windshield wiper was unserviceable and deferred under MEL, with conditions that no precipitation be forecast at departure and arrival. A vertical accelerometer malfunction was also noted.
The Captain, a 29-year-old Maldivian male, held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence and had 4,000 total flight hours, with 900 hours on type. The First Officer, a 36-year-old Maldivian male, held a Commercial Pilot Licence with 1,780 total flight hours, including 1,530 hours on type.
Meteorological Information
At the time of the incident, Gan International Airport reported wind at 270 degrees at 18 knots, moderate rain, and QNH 1013. The crew had earlier received reports of winds at 250 degrees at 15 knots with moderate rain.
Damages
The aircraft sustained damage to the No. 2 main wheel (foreign object damage), No. 3 main tire (sidewall damage with a 4-inch rubber piece missing), and all five blades of the right propeller showed signs of striking the runway. The tail skid also contacted the runway surface. Additionally, one red runway light was damaged.
Causal Factors
The investigation identified the causal factor as loss of control after touchdown.