RNSA Report on #TK18: Crew Actions Worsened Incident Severity
Icelandic RNSA’s Report on #TK18: “Crew’s Incorrect and Uncoordinated Actions Worsened the Severity of the Incident”
On February 13, 2023, Turkish Airlines flight #TK18, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER registered as TC-JJJ, encountered severe turbulence over Icelandic airspace during its Toronto-Istanbul route, resulting in an altitude loss of approximately 8,000 feet. The investigation revealed that the two pilots in the cockpit made opposing control inputs, which significantly contributed to the rapid loss of altitude.
According to the report by the Icelandic Transport Safety Investigation Authority (RNSA), the turbulence alone could not account for such a sudden descent. The report highlighted that the crew’s incorrect and uncoordinated interventions intensified the severity of the incident. The pilots applied aggressive control inputs that conflicted with the aircraft’s automated systems, while the speed brakes remained deployed, further exacerbating the uncontrolled descent.
Five cabin crew members and two passengers sustained minor injuries during the incident. The aircraft later landed safely in Istanbul.
