What happened
On February 4, 2000, an Ilyushin Il-76TD, registration RA 76750, was conducting a chartered cargo flight from Moscow to Trondheim Airport Værnes. During the final approach to runway 27, the aircraft descended below the established glide path. As the aircraft passed over the end of the runway, its landing gear collided with the localizer (LLZ) antenna installation used for the approach to runway 09.
The collision caused significant damage to the antenna array, including broken masts, damaged cables, and displaced antenna elements. The incident occurred during challenging weather conditions, characterized by strong westerly winds gusting up to 40 knots, rain and snow showers, and turbulent air.
The investigation
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) examined flight data recorder readouts, tower controller reports, and interviews with the flight crew and air traffic controllers. The investigation focused on why the aircraft deviated from the 4.0-degree glide path and why the crew did not correct the descent.
While the flight crew suggested that a failure of the glide slope signal and the presence of wind shear contributed to the low approach, the investigation confirmed that the ground-based ILS and all other navigation aids were functioning normally. Furthermore, the investigation found no published NOTAMs regarding any displaced thresholds or changes to the runway length that would have justified the low flight path.
Findings
- The aircraft was flying below the normal glide path for the majority of the final approach.
- The crew failed to utilize available visual references, such as the PAPI lights, to monitor their descent.
- A lack of effective Crew Resource Management (CRM) was evident, as the co-pilot did not provide callouts or warnings to the pilot flying regarding the altitude deviation.
- Although strong winds and downdrafts were present, the investigation concluded that a stabilized visual approach could have been maintained if the crew had utilized all available aids and performed timely corrections.