What happened
On December 14, 2018, at 00:19 local time, a China Airlines cargo flight, B-18717, a Boeing 747-400F, landed on runway 05L at Taoyuan International Airport. The flight had originated from Hong Kong International Airport. During the approach, the aircraft's descent rate increased significantly, and the aircraft deviated below the glideslope. The aircraft touched down 21 meters before the runway threshold, causing a hard landing with a vertical acceleration of 1.94g. The impact damaged three runway lights. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board, though the aircraft required tire replacements following the event.
The investigation
The Taiwan Transportation Safety Board (TTSB) examined flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) data, as well as crew interviews and fatigue modeling. The investigation focused on the manual handling of the aircraft during the final approach, the decision-making process of the crew, and the potential impact of fatigue. The investigation also looked into the maintenance of the runway lighting and the effectiveness of the airline's training programs for junior pilots.
Findings
- The pilot flying, a junior first officer, failed to effectively manage the aircraft's pitch and thrust to maintain a stable descent profile, speed, and descent rate. The pilot was unable to execute a proper flare, leading to the high-impact landing.
- The pilot monitoring, the captain, failed to maintain sufficient vigilance during the junior pilot's manual approach and did not intervene or initiate a go-around when the aircraft's descent rate became excessive.
- The captain may have been experiencing reduced alertness and reaction capabilities due to fatigue, stemming from insufficient sleep and an extended period of wakefulness.
- The airline's competency tracking program for junior pilots did not sufficiently ensure that the first officer had reached the required manual handling standards for safe landings.
- The crew did not promptly report the landing conditions to the tower or the airline, which created a risk of runway debris.
Safety action
- China Airlines was advised to strengthen manual landing training for junior first officers and to ensure captains maintain high vigilance and follow procedures to take control or call for a go-around during abnormal conditions.
- The airline was also encouraged to review its junior pilot competency tracking program to ensure its effectiveness.