Date: 20th September 2024
Location: Hakkari, Turkey
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800, registration TC-JKU
Flight Number: VF-4316
Operator: Anadolujet
Flight Route: Ankara (Turkey) to Hakkari (Turkey)
Passengers: Undisclosed
Crew: Undisclosed
Summary of Events
On 20th September 2024, Anadolujet Flight VF-4316, a Boeing 737-800, encountered an incident while landing at Hakkari Yüksekova Selahaddin Eyyubi Airport (LTCW). The aircraft, registered TC-JKU, was approaching Runway 29 under challenging weather conditions when the crew initially aborted their first landing attempt and entered a holding pattern due to deteriorating visibility and the risk of adverse weather. After holding to assess conditions, the crew initiated a second approach to Runway 29 and touched down at approximately 13:16 local time.
However, upon landing, the aircraft was unable to decelerate in time and overran the runway. The aircraft came to rest with its nose gear on soft ground beyond the runway, while the main landing gear remained on the paved surface within the Runway End Safety Area (RESA). Emergency procedures were activated, and despite the runway overrun, there were no reported injuries among the passengers or crew. The aircraft became immobilised, requiring assistance to be moved from its position.
The runway was subsequently closed following the incident, as indicated by NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), with relevant notifications issued to air traffic controllers and aviation personnel. The aircraft remained disabled at the scene, and weather conditions in the area continued to be a challenge for flight operations throughout the day.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft involved in the incident was a Boeing 737-800, a highly utilised model within the global aviation industry for short- and medium-haul flights. The Boeing 737-800 is equipped with advanced avionics, multiple redundant systems, and features designed to enhance safety during various phases of flight. The aircraft, registration TC-JKU, had been in service with Anadolujet for a number of years and had undergone regular maintenance inspections prior to the incident.
The flight crew aboard VF-4316 were experienced professionals familiar with the operational challenges of flying into Hakkari, an airport known for its mountainous terrain and variable weather conditions. While the exact flight hours of the captain and first officer have not been disclosed, Anadolujet, a subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, maintains high standards of training for its pilots, particularly with regard to challenging approach conditions and landing procedures.
Sequence of Events
Flight VF-4316 departed from Ankara’s Esenboğa Airport as scheduled, bound for Hakkari in southeastern Turkey. Hakkari Yüksekova Airport, situated in a region prone to variable weather and mountainous terrain, often presents challenges during approach and landing, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
During the initial approach to Hakkari’s Runway 29, the crew encountered worsening weather, with reports of thunderstorms, reduced visibility, and rain showers in the vicinity. Given these conditions, the flight crew made the decision to abort the approach and enter a holding pattern to allow the weather to improve. Holding patterns are a standard procedure during uncertain weather situations, allowing the crew time to reassess conditions and ensure the aircraft’s safe descent.
After remaining in the hold for some time, the crew prepared for a second approach to Runway 29. At 13:16 local time (10:16Z), the aircraft touched down on the wet runway, but the crew quickly realised they were unable to decelerate the aircraft within the runway’s available distance. Wet runways, combined with the challenges of braking effectiveness in such conditions, can significantly increase the distance required to bring an aircraft to a complete stop.
The aircraft overran the runway, with the nose gear coming to rest on soft ground beyond the paved surface. The main landing gear remained on the paved section of the runway’s safety area. Despite the overrun, the aircraft maintained structural integrity, and the passengers and crew remained unharmed. Emergency procedures were promptly enacted, and airport authorities responded to the scene.
Following the incident, the runway was closed, with a series of NOTAMs issued to inform aviation personnel of the closure and the need to divert flights until further notice.
Weather Conditions
The weather on 20th September 2024 at Hakkari Yüksekova Airport was characterised by thunderstorms, rain, and reduced visibility. The METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Reports) leading up to the incident indicated a series of weather events that likely contributed to the aircraft’s runway overrun.
At the time of the approach and landing, the area experienced shifting winds, variable visibility, and the presence of cumulonimbus clouds, which are indicative of thunderstorm activity. These conditions can lead to a wet runway, reducing braking effectiveness and increasing the likelihood of hydroplaning, where the aircraft’s tires lose traction on the wet surface.
The following METAR reports leading up to the incident provide a clear picture of the challenging weather environment:
• At 12:50Z, variable winds of 2 knots were reported, with 8,000 metres of visibility and scattered cumulonimbus clouds at 2,000 feet, broken cloud layers at 3,000 feet, and overcast skies at 7,000 feet. The temperature was recorded at 14°C.
• At 11:50Z, winds from the east at 7 knots were recorded, with 7,000 metres of visibility and similar cloud formations, but with reports of recent showers.
• Earlier in the day, at 10:50Z, thunderstorms with rain and reduced visibility to 6,000 metres were reported, indicating unstable atmospheric conditions.
These reports demonstrate the rapid changes in weather conditions, which would have been a significant factor in the crew’s decision-making process during the approach and landing phases.
Investigation and Analysis
The investigation into the incident is ongoing and focuses on several key factors, including the aircraft’s performance during the landing, the effectiveness of the braking system, and the impact of the weather conditions at the time of touchdown.
Runway Overrun: A runway overrun occurs when an aircraft is unable to stop within the designated runway length, often caused by a combination of factors such as excessive landing speed, delayed braking, or poor runway conditions. In this case, the wet runway surface, combined with the aircraft’s inability to decelerate in time, resulted in the aircraft overshooting the runway.
Weather Impact: The weather conditions at the time of the landing were less than ideal, with thunderstorms, rain, and reduced visibility creating a challenging environment for the crew. Wet runways significantly reduce the effectiveness of an aircraft’s braking systems and increase the likelihood of hydroplaning. In this case, the presence of rain and wet runway conditions likely contributed to the aircraft’s inability to stop within the available runway length.
Landing Decision and Execution: The crew’s decision to abort the initial approach and hold until weather conditions improved was standard procedure given the reported weather at the time. However, despite waiting in the hold, conditions remained marginal at the time of the second approach. The crew proceeded with the landing, and while their approach appeared stable, the aircraft could not decelerate effectively after touchdown due to the wet runway surface.
Airport and Runway Conditions: Hakkari Yüksekova Airport is located in a region where variable weather is common, particularly during the autumn and winter months. The airport’s runway is equipped with a safety area designed to mitigate the consequences of overruns, which likely played a role in preventing further damage to the aircraft during this incident. However, the runway’s wet surface at the time of landing would have significantly reduced braking efficiency.
Conclusions
The overrun of Anadolujet Flight VF-4316 was the result of a combination of factors, with weather conditions playing a significant role. The crew’s decision to attempt a second approach following the initial aborted landing was likely influenced by operational considerations, though the rapidly changing weather and wet runway conditions were major contributors to the overrun. Despite the challenging circumstances, the crew managed to keep the aircraft under control, and there were no injuries to passengers or crew.
The runway overrun underscores the challenges that adverse weather, particularly wet conditions, pose to aircraft operations, especially in airports like Hakkari, which are located in mountainous regions prone to sudden changes in weather. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of continuously assessing weather conditions and runway performance during landing, particularly in challenging environments.
Recommendations
Based on the findings from this incident, the following recommendations are made to improve safety and mitigate the risk of runway overruns in similar conditions:
1. Enhanced Runway Surface Monitoring: Airports, particularly those in regions prone to wet weather, should invest in improved monitoring systems that provide real-time data on runway conditions. This information can assist flight crews in making informed decisions regarding landing speeds, braking effectiveness, and the need for go-arounds.
2. Pilot Training for Wet Runway Operations: Continued emphasis should be placed on pilot training for landing on wet or contaminated runways. This training should include simulations of various weather conditions and runway states, helping crews to better understand the risks of reduced braking efficiency and hydroplaning.
3. Weather Information and Communication: Improved communication of rapidly changing weather conditions to flight crews during the approach and landing phase is critical. Weather updates provided during holds can help crews reassess landing viability and prepare for alternate courses of action if necessary.
4. Runway Overrun Protection Systems: Airports should continue to develop and enhance runway safety areas and other overrun protection systems, particularly at airports with challenging terrain and variable
weather conditions. Runway End Safety Areas (RESAs) and engineered materials that can absorb the impact of overruns should be standard features at airports with a history of challenging weather or geographical constraints.
5. Review of Go-Around Policies: Airlines should review their go-around policies to ensure that flight crews have the flexibility to divert or perform additional holds when weather conditions are not suitable for landing. This review should emphasise that safety takes priority over operational concerns like schedule adherence, particularly in difficult landing environments.
Safety Lessons and Industry Impact
The runway overrun of Anadolujet Flight VF-4316 highlights the risks associated with landing in adverse weather conditions, particularly at airports with wet or short runways. Wet runway surfaces can severely compromise braking effectiveness, even with advanced aircraft like the Boeing 737-800.
This incident underscores the importance of continuous monitoring of runway conditions and ensuring that flight crews are fully equipped with up-to-date weather information when making critical decisions on landing. The fact that no injuries occurred is a testament to the professionalism of the crew and the safety features in place, such as the runway safety area that absorbed much of the overrun’s impact.
The broader industry can learn from this incident by enhancing runway surface monitoring, improving pilot training for wet runway operations, and reinforcing the importance of weather assessment during approach. Airports like Hakkari, located in regions with challenging weather patterns, must continue to develop infrastructure and operational strategies to mitigate these risks.
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