Aircraft sustained damage during go-around at runway 19R

Casualties unknown • Amsterdam, NL

An aircraft sustained damage to its number four engine nacelle and right wing tip after a fog bank obscured the runway during an ILS approach.

What happened

The captain was conducting an ILS approach to runway 19R when a fog bank rolled over the runway during the landing flare. This caused the pilot to lose sight of the runway, prompting the initiation of a go-around.

During the go-around procedure, the aircraft veered to the right and traveled on a course parallel to the runway. The flight subsequently returned for a second approach, which was completed without further incident. After landing on runway 19R and parking at the gate, ground personnel notified the crew that the No. 4 engine nacelle and the right wing tip had sustained damage.

The investigation

Data from the digital flight data recorder indicated that during the five-second period following the start of the go-around, the aircraft's roll attitude shifted from wings level to 24 degrees with the right wing down. During this same interval, the radio altimeter increased from 1.8 feet to 29.2 feet.

Radar data confirmed the aircraft's deviation to a course parallel to the runway. Investigators located debris from the No. 4 engine nacelle on the right side of the runway, approximately 1400 meters from the threshold. Notably, no scrape marks were identified on the runway surface.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-12-10 Boeing 747-212B accident near Amsterdam, NL?

An aircraft sustained damage to its number four engine nacelle and right wing tip after a fog bank obscured the runway during an ILS approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-12-10 involved a Boeing 747-212B, registration N616FF, operated by Tower Air, Inc., at Amsterdam, NL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the captain to maintain a level wings attitude during a go-around resulting in the right wing dragging on the ground.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X05049. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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