Overview
On 10 June 2013, a Myanma Airways MA-60 aircraft, registered XY-AIP, experienced an incident during landing at Kawthaung, Myanmar. The flight originated from Yangon, with intermediate stops at Mawlamyine and Kawthaung. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and was written off, but no injuries were reported among the 4 crew and 60 passengers on the final leg.
Flight History
The aircraft initially departed Yangon at 6:55 local time with 4 crew and 27 passengers bound for Mawlamyine and Kawthaung. During climb, a hydraulic pressure low warning (LEDPL) illuminated intermittently, prompting a return to Yangon. After rectification, the aircraft departed again for Mawlamyine at about 10:15 local time. On approach to Mawlamyine, the same warning appeared while landing gear was down but disappeared after parking. The aircraft then left Mawlamyine at about 11:10 with 4 crew and 60 passengers for Kawthaung. No warning lights were observed during the en route segment.
Approach and Landing
During the approach to Kawthaung Runway 02, the pilot-in-command checked hydraulic quantity, selected flaps to 5°, lowered the landing gear, and executed the final turn. The LEDPL warning reappeared. The pilot set flaps to 15° and then 30°, but noted the flaps did not fully extend. After touchdown, reverse power was applied at approximately 2,500 feet from the runway end. Recognizing the aircraft beginning to swing, the pilot moved power levers to ground idle and applied brakes, switching nose wheel to taxi mode and attempting steering. The aircraft could not be steered and veered off the left side of the runway at about 3,200 feet. It first struck two fence pillars with the propellers and nose wheel, then turned 90° to the left and stopped after the left wing struck a tree.
Aftermath
The aircraft was damaged beyond repair. There were no injuries to crew or passengers.
Probable Cause
The official investigation identified primary and secondary causes:
- Primary cause: During landing roll, due to hydraulic system pressure low, the nose wheel steering mechanism and braking action were not effectively operated, causing the aircraft to veer off the left side of the runway. The pilot-in-command did not operate the emergency hydraulic pump when the hydraulic low pressure warning illuminated.
- Secondary cause: Hydraulic system pressure low due to the hydraulic tank fluid level being above normal and blockage of the tank pressurize compress air line filter.