What happened
On 29 October 2000, an Aer Lingus Fokker 50, registration EI-FKD, was operating a scheduled flight from Dublin to Cork. The flight arrived at Cork Airport during a period of rain and dusk, with the crew noting a wet runway surface. The aircraft performed a smooth landing on runway 17 using a standard ILS approach.
Following touchdown, the pilot began reducing power symmetrically. During the deceleration phase, the aircraft began to weathercock to the right, turning into the wind. The pilot reported experiencing aquaplaning, and despite attempts to regain directional control using left rudder, left control wheel inputs, and reverse thrust, the aircraft drifted toward the right edge of the runway. The aircraft eventually exited the paved surface approximately 305 metres south of the runway intersection, traveling 195 metres across soft ground before coming to a final stop. There were no injuries to the 51 passengers or the four crew members on board.
The investigation
The AAIU examined the aircraft's systems, including the braking and skid control mechanisms. Post-incident tests confirmed that the anti-skid system was fully serviceable. Investigators also inspected the main tyres, noting that while no physical signs of aquaplaning were visible on the rubber, such an event is possible on a Fokker 50 without leaving obvious traces. The investigation also reviewed the runway conditions and the aircraft's maintenance records, which showed all required servicing was up to date.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was aquaplaning on the wet runway surface.
- The aircraft weathercocked into the wind, causing a significant drift toward the right-hand side of the runway.
- The aircraft sustained minor damage to its propellers and tyres, and a bird-scaring loudspeaker unit was struck during the excursion.
- The runway surface was wet, and the aircraft was operating in rainy conditions at dusk.