Incident Overview

Date: Wednesday 21 February 2007
Aircraft Type: Boeing 737-33A
Owner/operator: AdamAir
Registration Number: PK-KKV
Location: Surabaya-Juanda Airport (SUB) – ÿ Indonesia
Phase of Flight: Landing
Status: Substantial, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 155
Component Affected: Aircraft Structure (specifically, the fuselage aft of passenger seat row 16)Aircraft Structure (specifically, the fuselage aft of passenger seat row 16)
Investigating Agency: NTSCNTSC
Category: Accident
A Boeing 737-300, PK-KKV, experienced a significant accident during flight 172 from Jakarta to Surabaya due to excessive sink rate during the approach, exacerbated by unstable conditions and a failure to comply with Boeing company procedures. The cockpit recording revealed a conversation concerning fuel policy and training, which led to a descent into a restricted area. The aircraft’s approach was initiated at 800 feet, and a landing clearance was received. Upon touchdown, control was transferred, resulting in a severe structural failure, including a significant buckling of the fuselage aft of passenger seat row 16. Panic ensued, and evacuation occurred, resulting in minor injuries to two passengers. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.A Boeing 737-300, PK-KKV, experienced a significant accident during flight 172 from Jakarta to Surabaya due to excessive sink rate during the approach, exacerbated by unstable conditions and a failure to comply with Boeing company procedures. The cockpit recording revealed a conversation concerning fuel policy and training, which led to a descent into a restricted area. The aircraft’s approach was initiated at 800 feet, and a landing clearance was received. Upon touchdown, control was transferred, resulting in a severe structural failure, including a significant buckling of the fuselage aft of passenger seat row 16. Panic ensued, and evacuation occurred, resulting in minor injuries to two passengers. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

Description

The Boeing 737-300, registered PK-KKV, operated on AdamAir flight 172 from Jakarta (CGK) to Surabaya (SUB). Weather at Surabaya included thunderstorm and rain, wind 240/7 knots with a visibility of 8,000 meters. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) revealed that there was a conversation in the cockpit that was not related to the progress of the flight. The conversation during the descent was relating to the company fuel policy and training program until 2000 feet. The CVR did not reveal an approach briefing nor a checklist reading. On final approach to runway 28, while passing 800 feet, the approach lights were in sight and a landing clearance was received. Prior to touchdown, control of the aircraft was transferred from co-pilot to captain. The CVR recorded that the Ground Proximity Warning Systems (GPWS) warned “Sink Rate” and “Pull Up”. The right wheel touched down some 4 meters outside the runway but the airplane was steered back onto the runway. The aircraft stopped about 100 meters from taxiway N3. After the 5g touch down, the fuselage aft of passenger seat row 16 was severely buckled and bended down. There was panic among the passengers. Flight attendants evacuated the passengers via all exits available and all door slides were inflated. Two passengers sustained minor injuries, and the aircraft suffered substantial damage. CAUSES: “From the findings, it is concluded that the aircraft experienced excessive sink rate upon the touch-down. The aircraft was in unstable approach even at below 200 feet. The high vertical acceleration caused severe damage to the aircraft structure. The flight crew did not comply to several procedures published by the Boeing company. The flight crew did not respond to the GPWS alert and warnings.”

Primary Cause

Excessive sink rate during approach, combined with unstable approach conditions and failure to comply with Boeing company procedures.Excessive sink rate during approach, combined with unstable approach conditions and failure to comply with Boeing company procedures.

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