Engine Pod Dragged on Runway During Visual Approach

Casualties unknown • Houston, TX, US

An international flight experienced an engine pod strike and subsequent fire during a side-step maneuver while landing on runway 8.

What happened

The flight was initially executing an ILS approach to runway 14. Upon being handed over to the tower, the crew requested a visual approach to runway 8, and the tower cleared the aircraft for a side-step maneuver.

During the maneuver, the captain delayed initiating the side step until the aircraft was 350 feet above ground level. The pilot then banked the aircraft to the left, reaching a bank of 32.6 degrees, followed by a right bank of 20.8 degrees at 18 feet above ground level. Because final approach alignment was not achieved, the right outboard engine pod dragged on the runway.

This contact resulted in a fire that erupted in the bottom aft section of the engine cowling. The fire was subsequently extinguished using onboard fire suppressants.

The investigation

The investigation determined that the fire in the engine cowling was caused by a broken fuel filter drain line.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to achieve final approach alignment during a side-step maneuver, causing the right outboard engine pod to contact the runway and resulting in a broken fuel filter drain line that ignited a fire.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-10-17 Boeing 747-300 accident near Houston, TX?

An international flight experienced an engine pod strike and subsequent fire during a side-step maneuver while landing on runway 8.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-10-17 involved a Boeing 747-300, registration PHBUU, operated by Klm Royal Dutch Airline, at Houston, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to achieve final approach alignment during a side-step maneuver, causing the right outboard engine pod to contact the runway and resulting in a broken fuel filter drain line that ignited a fire.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18294. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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