What happened
On 14 February 2025, an Airbus A321-211, registration PK-TLG, operated by PT. TransNusa Aviation Mandiri, performed a hard landing at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, Malaysia. The flight was a scheduled service arriving from Jakarta, Indonesia.
During the approach to Runway 15, the aircraft encountered significant tailwind components, ranging between 10 and 15 knots. While the approach remained stabilized above 1,000 feet, the pilot flying transitioned to manual flight at 390 feet. Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a high vertical impact, with a recorded vertical acceleration of 2.86 G. Data indicates that simultaneous, uncoordinated side-stick inputs were made by both the pilot flying and the pilot monitoring during the main gear contact.
The investigation
AAIB Malaysia's investigation was initiated after being notified by the Indonesian National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) in late March 2025. The investigation revealed that the operator had not initially reported the incident to Malaysian authorities.
Investigators examined the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR), noting that the pilot-in-command had reported feeling unwell with flu-like symptoms and gastrointestinal discomfort prior to landing. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's automated Load Report 15, which confirmed the high-load event. Subsequent maintenance inspections performed by the operator's team identified thirteen structural defects resulting from the impact.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a combination of over-control/under-control and a delay in taking necessary corrective action.
- Secondary factors included a breakdown in the visual scan and errors in decision-making during the operation.
- Environmental and physiological preconditions contributed to the event, specifically windblast, the pilot's gastrointestinal distress (trapped gas), and deficiencies in crew leadership and cross-monitoring performance.
- Organizational influences, including issues with organizational culture and procedural guidance, were also identified as contributing factors.