What happened
On 25 December 2017, a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) scheduled passenger flight, operating an ATR 72-500 with registration AP-BKZ, arrived at Benazir Bhutto International Airport (BBIAP), Islamabad, from Bahawalpur. During the ILS approach for runway 30, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft below the glide slope to avoid kites observed in the flight path. While the aircraft successfully resumed the correct profile, insufficient power was applied during the low-speed phase of the approach.
Upon landing, cabin crew seated at the aft jump seat reported hearing an unusual noise. A subsequent post-flight inspection by maintenance personnel revealed a half-inch scratch on the tail boot. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft had experienced a tail strike during touchdown.
The investigation
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Board of Pakistan examined flight data recorder (FDR) analysis, which identified several exceedances, including a medium-severity event involving high pitch at touchdown. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's landing position, noting that the touchdown occurred beyond the designated landing zone markings in an area where the runway transitions into a 0.08° downslope.
Additionally, the board reviewed crew qualifications, noting that the captain had been hired by the airline on a contractual basis without prior service as a first officer for the carrier and without documented specific airline orientation or Management of Change (MOC) training.
Findings
- The aircraft touched down at a pitch angle of 8.09°, which exceeded the safe operational limits for the aircraft type.
- A high pitch angle at touchdown, combined with reduced power at low speeds and a sudden transfer of weight to the main landing gear, led to the tail strike.
- The touchdown occurred on a runway downslope, which contributed to an increased angle of attack.
- The pilot's maneuver to avoid kites resulted in a period of low power that influenced the aircraft's stability during the final stages of the approach.