Introduction
On April 20, 2019, at 2052 local time, Far Eastern Air Transport flight FE3060 departed Penghu Magong Airport for Taichung Ching Chuan Kang Airport. The aircraft was an ATR72-600, registration B-28082, carrying a crew of two pilots and two cabin attendants, along with 72 passengers, totaling 76 persons on board. The captain served as the pilot flying from the left seat, while the first officer acted as the monitoring pilot from the right seat.
Flight Sequence
The crew began their descent at 2103 after completing approach briefings and preparations for an instrument landing system (ILS) approach to runway 36. During the descent, they observed thunderstorms and lightning ahead, including over the destination airport. Although they discussed that the weather conditions were unlikely to change quickly, they decided to continue the approach because the ground was visible, suggesting adequate visibility. At approximately 2118, during the landing roll on runway 36, the aircraft deviated left and departed the runway surface. No damage occurred to the aircraft or runway facilities, and all occupants remained uninjured.
Investigation Findings
The Taiwan Transportation Safety Board (TTSB) conducted the investigation. The probable cause was identified as the flight crew's failure to fully correct the aircraft's left deviation before touchdown; the crew did not visually reference the runway centerline during the flare and did not execute a go-around, resulting in a landing to the left of the centerline. Additionally, they did not apply wet-runway landing techniques, and after touchdown, they did not adequately correct the leftward tendency, leading to the runway excursion.
Risk-Related Findings
The investigation also highlighted several risk factors. Far Eastern Air Transport's crew resource management (CRM) training and evaluations did not effectively achieve their objectives, impairing the crew's ability to assess risks, threats, and situational awareness, as well as their communication and decision-making during the flight. Furthermore, the runway at Taichung Airport lacked centerline lighting and had poor drainage, which could adversely affect landing operations in adverse weather.
Other Findings
The TTSB found no evidence linking the event to pilot fatigue, alcohol, or drug impairment. While the runway surface may have had localized standing water due to rain, there was insufficient evidence to conclude that it affected the aircraft's directional control during landing. During the excursion, the right engine briefly experienced a drop in rotational speed and turbine temperature, possibly due to water ingestion. The aircraft's maintenance, systems, and weight and balance were not contributing factors.
Recommendations
The TTSB issued safety recommendations to Far Eastern Air Transport, including enhancing wet-runway landing training for flight crews, reviewing CRM training and evaluation content to more effectively address in-flight risks and threats, and reviewing the completeness of manuals regarding wet or contaminated runway operations. The Civil Aeronautics Administration was urged to supervise airlines in implementing these improvements.