Incident Overview
A Boeing 757, with the captain as the flying pilot, was on a right downwind for runway 33L. The airplane was aligned with runway 33R, and the control tower informed the flight crew of the misalignment. The first officer suggested a go-around, but the captain had runway 33L in sight and initiated a side-step maneuver when the airplane was about 500 feet above ground level (AGL).
Sequence of Events
The airplane became aligned with runway 33L about 4 seconds before touchdown, as it passed through 50 feet AGL. The first officer thought the airplane was low and again suggested a go-around. The captain continued with the landing. When the pilot closed the throttles, the airplane struck the runway in a nose-high pitch attitude, damaging the rear pressure bulkhead.
Crew Actions
Both pilots reported that they were unaware that the speed brakes, which had been extended when the airplane left 5,000 feet on approach, were still extended at touchdown. Company procedures required the pilot's hand to remain on the speed brake lever while they were extended, and stabilized approach criteria required the airplane to be aligned with the intended runway of landing by 500 feet above the touchdown zone elevation.
Additional Details
The captain reported that he planned on a reserve fuel of 7,200 pounds, but it was reduced to 5,800 pounds by delays, altitude and airspeed restrictions. He estimated a go-around would take 2,000 pounds, but upon further questioning admitted that number was consistent with a go-around in a Boeing 747, his previous assignment, and that the Boeing 757 would burn less fuel. The captain had accumulated 142 hours in the Boeing 757.