What happened
On 5 May 2022, a Bombardier DHC-8-300 aircraft, registration 8Q-IAK, was operating a scheduled passenger flight from Kooddoo to Kadhdhoo Airport. The flight, operated by Island Aviation Services, carried 39 passengers and 4 crew members.
During the arrival process, the crew initially attempted to land on Runway 03 after receiving information regarding surface conditions. However, the pilot initiated a go-around due to encountering mechanical turbulence and gusting winds. On the subsequent approach to Runway 21, the aircraft touched down approximately 442 meters before the end of the runway. This touchdown point was well beyond the intended aiming point markers. The aircraft failed to stop within the paved surface, overrunning the runway and coming to rest on a grass field approximately 35 meters past the threshold. There were no injuries to the passengers or crew, and the aircraft sustained no damage.
The investigation
The AICC investigation examined flight data recorder (FDR) information, cockpit voice recorder (CVR) audio, and aircraft maintenance logs. The analysis of the FDR revealed significant oscillations in elevator deflection during the second approach, which coincided with peaks in vertical acceleration. Audio from the CVR indicated that the co-pilot requested the pilot-in-command to reduce power during the flare, suggesting the aircraft was experiencing ballooning or floating due to excessive power.
Investigators also reviewed the runway geometry and performance requirements. While the aircraft's landing weight and configuration required approximately 570 meters of landing distance, the available distance from the actual touchdown point to the runway end was only 442 meters. The investigation also noted that Kadhdhoo Airport is a short takeoff and landing (STOL) facility, where certain aircraft types must operate under weight restrictions.
Findings
- The primary contributing factors were volatile winds at the airport and the crew's failure to initiate a second go-around despite missing the aiming point by a considerable distance.
- The aircraft experienced mechanical turbulence and gusts during the first approach attempt.
- The second touchdown occurred significantly late on the runway, leaving insufficient distance to decelerate.
- The aircraft's heading veered from 208 degrees to 244 degrees during the excursion.
- The crew's flight and medical certifications were found to be in order and were not contributing factors.
Safety action
Following the investigation, the AICC issued recommendations for the operator to:
- Review landing criteria within their operations manual regarding varying runway lengths.
- Evaluate and update training policies in light of the incident.
- Implement a period of supervised line training for the pilot-in-command and co-pilot based on the results of the policy review.