AAIB investigation to Embraer 190AR, ZS-YAD
Multiple go-arounds after entering windshear, St Helena Airport, 17 June 2023
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) was informed of concerns about a scheduled flight to St Helena on 17 June 2023 which encountered wind conditions necessitating two go-arounds, with the flight landing on the third attempt. During enquiries into the event, a further report was received from a different source regarding another scheduled flight on 10 September, during which four go-arounds were made before a landing could be achieved. The AAIB, as the nominated State Accident Investigation Authority for the British Overseas Territories of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, reviewed the events, but did not consider they met the ICAO definition of a serious incident. However, the AAIB considered that the immediate issues identified warranted further investigation under the St Helena Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations 2019, to identify any potential safety improvements.
The subsequent investigation confirmed the challenging nature of operations to the airport due to its isolated location and wind effects acting on the final approach and runway. It also identified issues with the aircraft operation, airport and diversion alternate which it considered needed to be addressed. Safety Actions included the installation of runway distance marker boards and the imposition of additional wind limits by the operator.
Six safety recommendations are made to address intended improvements which have yet to be implemented and some improvements where agreement could not be reached. In particular, the matter of allowing relevant flights to nominate Wideawake Airfield on Ascension Island as a diversion, in accordance with the Wideawake Agreement of 2023, remained unresolved.
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