Incident Overview
A flight crew conducted a visual approach after being cleared. Upon reaching the visual descent point, they transitioned to the VASI (Visual Approach Slope Indicator). The pilot reported that the airplane was stabilized on the approach. However, as the airplane neared the touchdown point, the first officer advised the pilot of a higher than normal sink rate. The airplane subsequently touched down hard on the runway. The pilot stated that the airplane touched down sooner than expected.
Structural Damage
Post-incident examination of the airframe revealed structural damage between fuselage stations 1338 through 1351.
Flight Data Analysis
The Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) readout from the incident landing was compared to the three previous landings. The comparison showed:
- The nose-up stabilator trim was twice as steep.
- Touchdown airspeed was 8 to 14 knots lower.
- Nose-up elevator deflection was two to three times larger.
- The maximum pitch attitude at touchdown was two to five times higher.
According to the MD-88 Takeoff and Landing booklet, the landing airspeed for the incident landing should have been 133 knots.