What happened
On 10 June 2013, a Myanma Airways MA-60, registration XY-AIP, was operating a multi-leg flight service beginning in Yangon. The aircraft initially departed Yangon for Mawlamyine, carrying 4 crew members and 27 passengers. During the initial climb, the crew observed intermittent low hydraulic pressure warnings. The flight was diverted back to Yangon to address the technical issue.
Following repairs, the aircraft departed for Mawlamyine at approximately 10:15 local time. During the final approach to Mawlamyine, the low hydraulic pressure warning light illuminated again while the landing gear was extended, though the light extinguished once the aircraft reached the parking area. A subsequent flight departed Mawlamyine for Kawthaung at 11:10 local time, carrying 4 crew members and 60 passengers.
While performing the final approach to the Kawthaung runway, the pilot checked the hydraulic quantity and configured the flaps. During the approach to runway 02, the low hydraulic pressure warning light reappeared. As the pilot attempted to extend the flaps from 15° to 30°, the flaps failed to reach the full position.
Upon touchdown, the pilot applied reverse thrust approximately 2,500 feet before the end of the runway. The aircraft began to swing, prompting the pilot to move the power levers to the idle position and apply brakes. Despite attempting to switch the nose wheel to taxi mode to regain steering, the aircraft could not be controlled and veered off the left side of the runway at the 3,200-foot mark. The aircraft struck two fence pillars with the propellers and nose wheel before turning 90 degrees and coming to a halt after the left wing struck a tree. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries among the passengers and crew, but the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced recurring low hydraulic pressure warnings throughout the day's operations.
- The hydraulic failure directly impacted the aircraft's ability to fully extend the flaps and maintain directional control via the nose wheel steering during the landing roll.