What happened
On August 25, 2013, a Boeing 737-800, registration OK-TVG, was landing at Pardubice Airport (LKPD) when it veered off the paved surface of runway 27. The aircraft, operated by Travel Service, was performing a flight from Burgas to Pardubice. During the landing roll, the crew attempted various braking configurations, including switching from autobrake mode 2 to mode 3 and eventually to manual full braking, in an effort to decelerate the aircraft.
The aircraft failed to stop on the runway and exited the paved surface, eventually coming to a halt on the grass 156 meters beyond the end of the runway. The nose of the aircraft was turned more than 90 degrees to the left. There were no injuries among the 188 passengers or the 6 crew members. The aircraft sustained no damage, and the passengers were evacuated via the forward left door after a maintenance technician from a nearby "Follow me" vehicle arrived to assist.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined flight data from the DFDAU and C/CVR, as well as air traffic control records and airport security footage. The investigation looked into the aircraft's technical status, specifically noting a deferred maintenance item regarding the inoperative reverse thrust on the right engine. The investigators also analyzed the runway surface conditions, noting that while the runway was wet, friction measurements taken after the event indicated good braking action.
Findings
- The crew did not correctly apply the operator's Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the landing conditions.
- The improperly selected landing configuration was the primary cause; the pilots should have used flaps 40° and braking mode AB3 or manual full braking, or alternatively, landed on the opposite runway (09).
- The inoperative right engine reverse thrust was a known deferred defect, and the crew was aware of the resulting asymmetry and reduced deceleration capability.
- The crew did not precisely follow emergency procedures following the runway excursion and after the aircraft came to a stop.
- The aircraft systems, including braking and flaps, were functioning correctly according to the flight data.