de Havilland Canada DHC-8-103, VH-JSI, 22 km north-north-east of Broome Aerodrome, Western Australia, on 17 May 1996

199601590

Summary

The pilot reported a birdstrike during the descent. The strike appeared to cause the left engine to lose power, and it was shut down and secured. Subsequent investigation indicates that the wiring providing indications to the flight crew was damaged and the instrument indications, only, were lost.

An unsafe left main gear indication illuminated when the gear was selected down for landing. Although the standby system indicated three green lights, a single-engine flypast was completed to confirm the gear position.

The crew did not request emergency services. The company agents on the ground at Broome declined to declare a full emergency and local standby only was activated by airport management.

During the later part of the landing roll the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft. He reported brake and steering failure.

The aircraft veered off the sealed runway before the pilot stopped it by application of the emergency brakes.

Ground witnesses reported the loss of directional control may have been the result of the use of reverse thrust on the remaining operating engine.

There were 17 people on board.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199601590
Occurrence date 17/05/1996
Location 22 km north-north-east of Broome Aerodrome
State Western Australia
Report release date 27/11/1996
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Birdstrike
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer De Havilland Canada/De Havilland Aircraft of Canada
Model DHC-8
Registration VH-JSI
Serial number 229
Sector Turboprop
Operation type Air Transport Low Capacity
Departure point Kuunurra, WA
Destination Broome, WA
Damage Substantial