History of the Flight
On 4 April 2022, an ATR72-212A registered F-ORVS operated by Air Tahiti on a passenger commercial flight from Nuku-Hiva to Hiva-Oa-Atuona encountered serious difficulties during the approach to Runway 20. Before departure, the crew obtained wind information from the AFIS officer indicating easterly winds with significant variations. The crew planned an RNP approach to Runway 20 due to a tailwind component for Runway 02. En route, they received updates confirming variable winds and gusts. The co-pilot, acting as pilot flying, conducted the approach.
As the aircraft passed the final approach fix, it entered turbulence with load factors varying between 1.25 g and 0.76 g. The approach speed was held above VAPP due to turbulence. At about 2.5 NM from the threshold, the co-pilot disengaged the autopilot. The aircraft encountered significant windshear at 90 ft AAL, with a 10 kt tailwind component. The captain called for power, and the co-pilot advanced the power levers momentarily. During the flare, opposite dual inputs occurred on the control columns, leading to elevator decoupling. The main landing gear touched down hard with a vertical load factor of 2.97 g, causing the aircraft to bounce. The captain initiated a go-around, and the pitch disconnect warning activated. Opposite inputs continued for 11 seconds before the co-pilot confirmed the captain had control. The crew then landed on Runway 02 with a tailwind component of about 5 kt.
Crew Information
The 43-year-old captain held an ATPL with ATR 42/72 type rating and had 11,061 total flight hours (9,775 on type). The 43-year-old co-pilot also held an ATPL with the same type rating and had 3,203 total flight hours (2,673 on type). Both had previous landing experience at Hiva-Oa-Atuona. The airport requires specific training for access due to its challenging aerology; both pilots had completed the required training per the operator's manual.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of the incident, the wind was from 150°, varying between 010° and 200°, at 10 kt with gusts of 20 kt, as reported by the AFIS officer. The crew experienced turbulence and windshear during the final approach.
Aircraft and Systems
The aircraft's flight data recorder showed variations in load factor, airspeed, torque, descent rate, and wind components. The opposite dual inputs on the control columns exceeded the threshold for elevator decoupling, triggering the pitch disconnect warning and master warning alert.
Conclusion
The report lists the serious incident as involving a non-stabilized approach, windshear, opposite dual inputs, hard landing, and balked landing. No explicit probable cause is stated in the provided source.