On 31st October 2024, a Starlux Airlines Airbus A321-200N, registered B-58206, experienced a challenging landing sequence at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (RCTP) following an extended holding pattern due to adverse weather conditions. The aircraft was operating flight JX-871 from Okinawa, Japan, to Taipei, Taiwan, and encountered difficulties during its initial landing attempt on runway 05R. After a hard touchdown, a reported bounce, and suspected contact between the left wingtip and the ground, the flight crew initiated a go-around. The aircraft repositioned and landed safely on the same runway around 30 minutes later. The aircraft has since remained on the ground for further inspection and analysis, totalling approximately 36 hours.
Incident Summary
• Aircraft Model: Airbus A321-200N (neo variant)
• Registration: B-58206
• Flight Number: JX-871
• Route: Okinawa, Japan (OKA) to Taipei, Taiwan (TPE)
• Time of Initial Landing Attempt: 17:34 local time (09:34Z)
• Weather Conditions: Severe gusts, wind shear warnings, and heavy showers
The initial attempt to land at Taipei’s runway 05R saw the aircraft experience a hard touchdown and a subsequent bounce. During this event, the left wingtip allegedly made ground contact, although Starlux Airlines later clarified through inspections that no damage to the wing was found. The aircraft safely completed its second landing attempt and taxied to the apron without further complications.
Technical Details of the Incident
1. Initial Approach and Touchdown Dynamics:
• The Airbus A321-200N executed an approach to runway 05R amidst severe meteorological conditions, including strong gusts and variable wind shear, as indicated by multiple METAR reports. The gusting crosswinds and turbulence would have posed a significant challenge to maintaining a stable approach and flare.
• The aircraft touched down in the designated touchdown zone at 17:34L but immediately experienced a bounce. The forces involved during the hard landing, combined with the destabilised lift distribution, may have contributed to the reported left wingtip contact with the ground.
2. Bounce and Wingtip Contact:
• Bounce Mechanics: A bounce occurs when an aircraft’s main landing gear strikes the runway at a high descent rate or with insufficient pitch control, causing the aircraft to rebound off the surface. Factors such as excess speed, incorrect flare technique, or sudden gusts exacerbating the flare can lead to this condition.
• Wingtip Strike Concerns: The left wingtip reportedly struck the runway surface as the aircraft settled post-bounce. Wingtip ground contact is generally considered a critical event, potentially leading to structural damage. However, following a detailed inspection, Starlux Airlines reported no structural compromise to the wing. Given the forces involved, any significant wing contact would typically lead to observable damage or deformation, which was not found in this case.
3. Go-Around Execution:
• Upon assessing the situation and recognising the instability post-touchdown, the flight crew performed a go-around. This manoeuvre is a standard safety protocol, allowing the aircraft to abort the landing attempt and reposition for a safer approach. The aircraft climbed out and re-entered the landing circuit, stabilising for a second approach.
• The second landing at 18:04L was without incident, demonstrating the effectiveness of the crew’s handling under pressure and adverse conditions.
Weather Conditions Analysis
Weather was a substantial factor influencing the incident. The METAR observations for Taipei during the event highlighted challenging conditions:
• Significant Gusts and Wind Shear: The reported wind speeds reached up to 58 knots, with directions varying between 060° and 120°. Gusts of this intensity can drastically affect aircraft performance during the critical phases of landing.
• Low-Level Wind Shear (LLWS) Warnings: The presence of wind shear across all runways would have required heightened vigilance from the flight crew. Wind shear, particularly at low altitudes, can result in rapid changes to airspeed and aircraft attitude, complicating landing procedures.
• Heavy Showers and Visibility Factors: The presence of rain showers and overcast layers would have further reduced visibility, adding to the overall complexity of the approach.
The Airbus A321neo is equipped with advanced avionics, including predictive wind shear systems and robust flight control computers designed to assist in handling such conditions. However, even with these aids, the severity of the weather likely necessitated considerable manual input and judgement from the flight crew.
Maintenance and Inspection Findings
Following the incident, the aircraft remained on the ground for a detailed inspection lasting approximately 36 hours. Starlux Airlines issued a statement on 1st November 2024:
“A detailed inspection has been performed, and no damage to the wing has been found. At the speed and force during the landing, the wing would not remain intact if it had made contact with the ground. We contacted the Taiwan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) immediately upon the aircraft’s landing and provided all flight details for their review. The Taiwan CAA is currently investigating the potential hard landing, and results have also been sent to Airbus for further analysis.”
Starlux’s statement highlighted the robustness of the aircraft’s design, suggesting that any significant impact would have resulted in visible damage. The inspection photos shared did not indicate any deformation or structural compromise of the wing.
Aircraft Design and Safety Features
The Airbus A321-200N features reinforced wing structures and energy-absorbing landing gear designed to handle hard landings within specified limits. The aircraft’s Fly-by-Wire (FBW) system provides continuous monitoring and adjustments to maintain stability, even in turbulent conditions.
1. Fly-by-Wire Enhancements:
• The FBW system manages flight control surfaces and can automatically adjust to mitigate the effects of gusts and wind shear. In adverse conditions, this system provides additional layers of safety and assists pilots in maintaining control.
2. Wing Structural Integrity:
• The A321neo’s wings are engineered with robust materials to withstand significant aerodynamic forces. The absence of damage in this incident underscores the effectiveness of Airbus’s structural design and the inherent safety margins.
Conclusion and Safety Measures
The Starlux Airbus A321-200N incident on 31st October 2024 serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of landing in severe weather conditions. The flight crew’s decision to execute a go-around following the initial hard touchdown demonstrates sound judgement and adherence to safety protocols. The comprehensive post-incident inspections and communication with aviation authorities underscore Starlux Airlines’ commitment to operational safety and regulatory compliance.
As the Taiwan Civil Aviation Authority and Airbus continue to review the incident data, further insights may emerge regarding best practices for handling similar scenarios in the future.
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Disclaimer
This report is based on initial findings and statements from Starlux Airlines and aviation authorities. Further details may be released as investigations progress. We strive to ensure accuracy and apologise for any information that may be subject to change or clarification.
