Casualties unknown

Go-Around During ILS Approach Results in Damage to Engine Nacelle and Wing Tip (N616FF)

Amsterdam, NL

On December 10, 1995, a Boeing 747-212B (registration N616FF) operated by Tower Air, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Amsterdam, NL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the captain to maintain a level wings attitude during a go-around resulting in the right wing dragging on the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N616FF
Aircraft registered N616FF. Photo: Aero Icarus from Zürich, Switzerland / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During an ILS approach to runway 19R, the captain lost sight of the runway due to fog and initiated a go-around. The aircraft banked right and flew parallel to the runway. After landing, damage was found to the No. 4 engine nacelle and right wing tip.

Approach and Go-Around Initiation

The captain was piloting the aircraft during an ILS approach to runway 19R. As the aircraft entered the landing flare, a fog bank rolled over the runway, causing the captain to lose visual contact with the runway. A go-around was initiated.

Flight Data Recorder Information

Data from the digital flight data recorder (DFDR) revealed that during the go-around, the aircraft's roll attitude increased from wings level to 24 degrees right wing down over a period of five seconds. Over the same interval, the radio altimeter reading increased from 1.8 feet to 29.2 feet.

Radar Track

Recorded radar data indicated that the aircraft veered to the right during the go-around, subsequently flying a course parallel to the runway.

Subsequent Landing

The flight returned for another approach. After an uneventful approach and landing on runway 19R, the aircraft parked at the gate.

Post-Flight Inspection and Debris

Upon parking, ground personnel informed the flight crew that the No. 4 engine nacelle and the right wing tip had sustained damage. Debris from the No. 4 engine nacelle was discovered on the right side of the runway, approximately 1,400 meters from the threshold. No scrape marks were found on the runway surface.

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.