Communication breakdown leads to structural damage on Fokker F27 landing

Casualties unknown • Accident with aircraft SE-LIR at Gällivare airport, SE

A training landing in darkness at Gällivare airport resulted in substantial structural damage to a Fokker F27 after a breakdown in pilot communication.

What happened

On November 10, 2000, a scheduled Skyways Express flight, JZ 206, was performing a landing at Gällivare airport, Sweden. The flight was being conducted as a route training session, with the co-pilot operating from the left seat to prepare for an upgrade to commander. For training purposes, the crew had agreed to use a 35-degree flap setting, rather than the standard 25-degree setting.

During the approach in darkness and misty conditions, the co-pilot began the round-out at approximately 40 feet. The commander, observing the aircraft's speed decreasing rapidly and the rotation occurring too high, intervened by pushing the control column forward and then releasing it. This intervention was not accompanied by the standard "My controls" call. The aircraft leveled off briefly before sinking rapidly and making a firm, uncontrolled contact with the runway at an unusually nose-high attitude. The aircraft bounced before a second touchdown.

While the crew did not immediately report a hard landing, a cabin attendant noted the impact felt heavy. The structural damage to the aircraft's aft section remained undetected through six subsequent flight legs, only being discovered a day later.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a **breakdown in communication between the pilots** during the landing sequence. Contributing factors included the use of an unconventional 35-degree flap setting, the co-pilot's lack of experience flying from the left seat, and the low-visibility, dark conditions at the time of the event.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-11-10 aircraft accident near Accident with aircraft SE-LIR at Gällivare airport, SE?

A training landing in darkness at Gällivare airport resulted in substantial structural damage to a Fokker F27 after a breakdown in pilot communication.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-11-10 involved a aircraft, registration SE-LIR, at Accident with aircraft SE-LIR at Gällivare airport, SE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a **breakdown in communication between the pilots** during the landing sequence. Contributing factors included the use of an unconventional 35-degree flap setting, the co-pilot's lack of experience flying from the left seat, and the low-visibility, dark conditions at the time of the event.

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