What happened
During an instrument landing system approach to runway 4R, Scandinavian Airlines Flight 901 was being flown by the first officer. The aircraft arrived on final approach with a tailwind and was significantly faster than intended. It touched down approximately 4700 feet beyond the approach end of the runway at a speed 36 knots above the programmed touchdown speed.
The aircrew members were unable to stop the aircraft within the remaining 3700 feet of runway. To avoid a head-on collision with the approach light pier at the departure end, the captain steered the aircraft to the right of the runway centerline. The left wing struck the pier, and the aircraft came to rest in a tidal waterway.
Occupants were evacuated with only minor injuries to some passengers. One passenger with a pre-existing cardiac condition was hospitalized for over 48 hours. A small fire confined to some electric wiring self-extinguished almost immediately.
The investigation
An investigation revealed that the autotrottle had malfunctioned during the occurrence. There was evidence that thrust had increased on final approach when it was not needed. The autotrottle had a history of malfunctions.
Findings
The crew did not use the airspeed 'bugs' and callouts during the approach.