Embraer E170-200 Hard Landing Incident at Bucharest Otopeni

Incident Overview and Detection Details On 13 February 2012, an Embraer E170-200 was operating a scheduled flight from Warsaw (WAW) to Bucharest Otopeni (OTP). During the final approach to runway 08R, the aircraft encountered difficult weather conditions, including a cloud base of 200 feet, visibility of 700 meters, RVR of 1400 meters, heavy snowfall, and a wind from 060 degrees at 12 knots. The crew did not report the event at the time, as the captain stated no abnormalities were felt during touchdown. On 15 February 2012, at 18:14, the airline's Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) system detected a landing load factor of Nz=2.109g, exceeding the allowable limit. By that time, the aircraft had completed 10 additional takeoffs and landings since the incident. ## Investigation Findings and Maintenance Actions The investigation, supervised by Piotr Lipiec and concluded on 28 June 2016, determined that all flight parameters during the approach were maintained correctly. However, at approximately 40 feet, the pilot initiated the flare to touchdown slightly too late. This resulted in the aircraft touching down with excessive vertical speed, generating the 2.109g load. The challenging conditions, including a snow-covered runway and heavy snowfall, deprived the crew of clear visual references for the aircraft's position relative to the ground, contributing to the subjective perception that the landing was within normal limits. Following the FDM detection, the first phase of the hard landing inspection was performed on 15 February 2012 in accordance with AMM 05-50-03, allowing the aircraft to operate for 10 additional takeoffs and landings. The second phase of the inspection was completed on 18 February 2012, after which the aircraft was returned to normal service. ## Probable Cause and Safety Actions The probable cause of the hard landing was the late execution of the flare phase, leading to touchdown with excessive vertical speed. Contributing factors included the very difficult weather conditions, the white snow-covered runway, and intense snowfall that obscured visual references. As preventive measures, the Fleet Safety Pilot was tasked with describing the incident in the monthly Aviation Safety Bulletin, and the material was used during recurrent pilot training. The Commission did not formulate any safety recommendations.