Buddha Air ATR-72 Veers Off Runway During Landing at Bhairawa Airport

Bhairawa, Nepal – On July 11th, 2024, a Buddha Air Avions de Transport Regional ATR-72-212A, registration 9N-AOC, encountered a runway excursion during landing at Bhairawa Airport. The aircraft, operating flight U4-805 from Kathmandu to Bhairawa with 55 passengers and 4 crew members on board, veered off the runway during the latter stages of its rollout, coming to a stop with all its landing gear on soft ground approximately 1.5 meters from the runway edge. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and the aircraft sustained only minor damage.

Incident Overview

The flight from Kathmandu had proceeded normally until the landing phase at Bhairawa’s runway 28. As the aircraft decelerated during the rollout, it unexpectedly veered left off the runway. The ATR-72 eventually came to a halt on soft ground just off the runway, with all three landing gear mired in the mud.

Local authorities, including the police, quickly responded to the incident. They confirmed that none of the passengers or crew members were injured. However, the aircraft’s position off the runway necessitated the closure of the airport to facilitate recovery operations.

Airline and Official Responses

Buddha Air promptly addressed the incident, stating on July 12th that the aircraft had skidded off the runway due to heavy rain, which likely contributed to the loss of control during the rollout. The airline dispatched a technical team from Kathmandu to Bhairawa to assess the situation and assist in the recovery of the aircraft.

On July 22nd, Nepal’s Aircraft Investigation Bureau (AIB) reported that the aircraft had left the runway during landing and suffered minor damage. The AIB classified the incident as a serious occurrence and has launched an investigation to determine the contributing factors and root cause of the runway excursion.

Weather Conditions and Contributing Factors

Although specific weather data for Bhairawa Airport at the time of the incident is unavailable, Buddha Air’s statement points to heavy rainfall as a significant factor. Wet runway conditions can drastically reduce the effectiveness of braking and increase the risk of hydroplaning, which may have led to the aircraft veering off course during the landing rollout.

The AIB investigation will likely focus on a range of factors, including the runway surface conditions, the aircraft’s landing speed and technique, and any possible mechanical issues that could have contributed to the loss of control.

Safety and Operational Implications

Runway excursions, particularly during landing, are among the most common types of incidents in aviation. While this incident thankfully resulted in no injuries, it highlights the challenges of operating in adverse weather conditions, particularly at airports where infrastructure may not be equipped to handle such situations effectively.

The investigation’s findings will be crucial for improving safety protocols and preventing similar incidents in the future. These may include recommendations for better runway maintenance and drainage, improved pilot training for wet runway operations, and enhanced aircraft braking systems.

Conclusion

The runway excursion involving Buddha Air flight U4-805 at Bhairawa Airport on July 11th, 2024, serves as a reminder of the complexities and risks associated with landing in challenging weather conditions. The quick response by the crew, along with the robust design of the ATR-72, ensured that all passengers and crew members remained safe, and the aircraft sustained only minor damage.

As Nepal’s AIB continues its investigation, the aviation community will be watching closely for insights and recommendations that could help mitigate the risks of runway excursions in the future. Buddha Air and other operators in the region may need to adapt their procedures and training to account for the findings of this investigation, ensuring even greater safety for passengers and crew.