Incident Overview
On approach for a Category II ILS to Runway 2L, Flight 1206 touched down 408 feet short of the runway threshold. The last reported runway visual range (RVR) prior to landing was 700 feet, and 1200 feet RVR was reported as the flight crossed the outer marker. The minimums for the approach were 1200 feet RVR.
Sequence of Events
On short final, the captain saw the approach lights and disconnected the autopilot as the aircraft descended below 200 feet above ground level (AGL). The aircraft then struck approach lighting equipment and the runway threshold area, damaging both the lighting system and the aircraft.
Flight Data Recorder Analysis
The Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) revealed that after the autopilot was disconnected, the aircraft's rate of descent increased from 720 feet per minute (fpm) to 1400 fpm, while airspeed remained constant. The descent rate change coincided with the captain's manual control input.
Equipment Inspection
Inspection of the aircraft navigation equipment and airport navigation aids revealed no evidence of malfunction. The systems were functioning normally.
Crew Statements
The captain stated that he had the approach lights in sight but was unaware that the aircraft had landed short. The flight engineer reported that he felt the aircraft had indeed landed short.
Procedural Deviation
Company procedures required the use of the autopilot down to decision height, which was 100 feet AGL for this approach. However, the captain manually disconnected the autopilot at approximately 200 feet AGL.
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