Date: December 27th, 2024
Aircraft: de Havilland Dash 8-400
Registration: RP-C5911
Operator: PAL Express
Flight Number: PR-2285
Route: Cebu (CEB) to Bacolod City (BCD), Philippines
Occupants: 69 (Passengers and crew)
Injuries: None reported
Damage: Minimal, pending inspection
Status: Under investigation
Incident Summary
On December 27th, 2024, PAL Express flight PR-2285, operated by a de Havilland Dash 8-400, experienced a runway excursion upon landing at Bacolod-Silay Airport’s Runway 03. During heavy rain, the aircraft overran the runway, coming to rest beyond its threshold. The airline attributed the incident to braking difficulties on a slippery runway surface caused by adverse weather conditions. Fortunately, there were no injuries among the 69 people onboard.
Sequence of Events
1. Approach and Landing:
• The Dash 8-400 was on final approach to Bacolod’s Runway 03 under heavy rain. The flight crew followed standard procedures for landing on a wet runway.
2. Runway Overrun:
• After touchdown, the aircraft’s brakes reportedly failed to handle the slippery portion of the runway. Despite the crew’s efforts, the aircraft was unable to stop within the available runway length, resulting in an overrun into a nearby taxiway.
3. Evacuation:
• Passengers and crew disembarked safely without injuries.
Initial Observations
1. Weather Conditions:
• Heavy rain and potentially poor runway conditions were reported at the time of landing. No official weather data is currently available for Bacolod.
2. Aircraft Systems:
• The braking system’s inability to handle the wet and slippery runway surface will be a focal point of the investigation.
3. Runway Conditions:
• The condition of Runway 03 during heavy rainfall, including drainage efficiency and friction levels, will be evaluated.
Investigation Focus Areas
1. Weather and Runway Conditions:
• Analyzing the impact of heavy rainfall on runway friction and braking performance.
2. Braking System Performance:
• Assessing the performance of the Dash 8-400’s braking system during the landing.
3. Crew Decision-Making:
• Reviewing the flight crew’s approach and landing techniques under adverse weather conditions.
4. Airport Facilities:
• Evaluating Bacolod-Silay Airport’s infrastructure, including runway drainage, surface maintenance, and friction testing protocols.
Safety Recommendations
1. Enhanced Runway Monitoring:
• Regular friction and surface condition assessments, especially during adverse weather, to ensure safe landings.
2. Weather Preparedness Training:
• Comprehensive crew training for landing in wet or low-friction conditions to enhance decision-making during adverse weather.
3. Runway Condition Reporting:
• Improving real-time runway condition reporting systems to aid flight crews in making informed decisions.
Conclusion
The PAL Express flight PR-2285 runway excursion highlights the challenges of operating under adverse weather conditions. The quick response of the crew and the absence of injuries underscore the effectiveness of safety protocols. A detailed investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) will aim to identify the root causes and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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