What happened
On 13 May 2012, an ATR 72-201, registration EI-REH, was performing a scheduled passenger flight from Manchester to Cork Airport. During the approach to Runway 17, the aircraft encountered strong, gusty crosswinds and turbulence. The initial touchdown occurred on the main landing gear with the aircraft in a nose-up attitude. Following this contact, the aircraft experienced a slight bounce. Simultaneously, the pilot moved the control column forward to reduce speed and initiate nose-wheel steering, which caused the aircraft to pitch down sharply. This resulted in a second contact with the runway surface involving only the nose wheels, creating a significant impact. The pilot immediately initiated a go-around, and a subsequent successful landing was completed on the same runway. There were no injuries to the 47 passengers or 4 crew members on board.
The investigation
The AAIU examined flight data from the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVTR). The investigation analyzed the aircraft's flight path, including airspeed, pitch angle, and vertical acceleration. Investigators also reviewed the pilot's experience and the operator's operational restrictions regarding runway qualifications. The analysis of the DFDR confirmed that the aircraft's center of gravity shifted upward by approximately 0.7 meters during a slight bounce, coinciding with the rapid pitch-down maneuver. The investigation also looked into why the crew did not utilize Runway 25, which would have presented a much lower crosswind component.
Findings
- The approach speed was approximately 5 kts higher than the calculated VAPP.
- Strong gusts and turbulence were present during the flare maneuver.
- Inadequate control of aircraft pitch during the flare led to the sudden nose-down attitude.
- An operational restriction prevented the commander from using Runway 25, as he lacked the specific qualification for that shorter runway.
- The nose landing gear required replacement following the impact, as the manufacturer noted that such a landing attitude was not accounted for in the aircraft's certification design criteria.
Safety action
- The operator implemented revised training procedures for stabilized approaches and crosswind landings.
- The AAIU issued a safety recommendation for the operator to consider qualifying all captains for approaches to Runway 25 at Cork Airport following their upgrade to commander.