What happened
On 17 July 2011, an Aer Arann ATR 72-212, registration EI-SLM, was conducting a scheduled passenger flight from Manchester to Shannon Airport. During the approach to Runway 24, the aircraft encountered significant wind shear and turbulence. The flight crew initially attempted a landing but, due to a bounce caused by heavy gusts, executed a go-around.
On the subsequent approach, the aircraft encountered further turbulence. After several bounces, the aircraft impacted the runway in a nose-down attitude, causing the nose landing gear to collapse. The aircraft skidded along the runway surface, losing directional control, and eventually came to a halt near the intersection of a taxiway. While there were no injuries among the 21 passengers and 4 crew members, the aircraft was determined to be beyond economical repair.
The investigation
The AAIU examined the flight sequence, meteorological conditions, and the mechanical failure of the landing gear. Investigators reviewed pilot interviews, air traffic control reports, and the aircraft's maintenance history. The investigation focused on the impact of the wind conditions and the specific aerodynamic disturbances present near the touchdown zone.
Technical analysis revealed that the nose gear leg had folded rearwards into the fuselage, contrary to its normal forward-retracting design. This failure caused significant structural damage to the aircraft's nose and under-surface. The investigation also looked into the impact of local infrastructure on wind patterns, specifically how nearby buildings could create complex turbulence and wake effects during the final stages of the approach.
Findings
- The landing occurred during periods of strong and gusty crosswinds, with wind speeds reaching up to 32 knots.
- The aircraft experienced significant turbulence and wind shear, likely exacerbated by the presence of a hangar and nearby structures near the touchdown zone.
- The nose gear collapsed following a heavy nose-down impact with the runway.
- The aircraft's nose gear assembly failed by retracting rearwards into the fuselage structure.