What happened
On 9 April 2023, a Boeing 737-8AS, registration EI-DHH, arrived at Dublin Airport from Liverpool on a scheduled commercial flight. The aircraft was carrying 172 passengers and 6 crew members. During the landing on Runway 28L, the aircraft touched down with a three-degree crab angle into a crosswind. Following the touchdown, the aircraft began tracking toward the left edge of the runway.
To correct the aircraft's path and return to the centerline, the commander took control and applied right rudder. During this ground roll, the nosewheel assembly suffered severe damage. One wheel and tire separated from the aircraft entirely, while the other axle was ground down significantly by contact with the runway surface. The impact of debris also caused damage to the aircraft's fuselage, engine fan blades, and wing undersides. Despite the substantial damage, there were no injuries and no fire occurred. The passengers and crew were evacuated via mobile stairs and transported to the terminal by bus.
The investigation
The AAIU examined the flight data, maintenance logs, and interviewed the flight crew. The investigation looked into the weather conditions, specifically a quartering tailwind that increased the aircraft's groundspeed and made handling more difficult. The investigators also reviewed the manufacturer's guidelines regarding the use of the nosewheel steering tiller.
Findings
- The aircraft landed with a crab angle on a dry runway, which contributed to the difficulty in maintaining the centerline.
- A quartering tailwind increased the aircraft's groundspeed and presented a challenge to the pilot flying.
- The aircraft's path drifted toward the left edge of the runway after the main gear made contact.
- The use of the nosewheel tiller at a speed exceeding the manufacturer's prescribed limits caused the left-hand nosewheel to separate from the assembly.
- The damage to the nosewheel assembly and axles was a direct result of this high-speed steering attempt.