What happened
On the morning of the incident, a flight departed Leipzig Airport at 04:38 local time, destined for Bratislava Airport in Slovakia. The flight proceeded normally until the descent phase, during which air traffic control provided wind information of 120 degrees at 7 knots. The crew configured the aircraft type with flaps and slats at 25 degrees and prepared the braking systems in medium mode.
The approach via the ILS for runway 22 remained stable throughout the descent. The main landing gear made contact with the runway approximately 700 meters before the threshold. Following touchdown, the crew engaged the thrust reversers. Shortly after the nose gear made contact with the surface, the crew experienced intense vibrations that grew in magnitude as the aircraft decelerated. At a speed of 85 knots, the thrust reverser deployment was terminated.
During this period, the aircraft began to deviate toward the left side of the runway. The pilot in command attempted to maintain directional control through heavy braking and movements of the rudder pedals and nose wheel steering, but was unable to stabilize the plane. The aircraft eventually exited the runway to the left at approximately 45 knots. During the excursion, the nose gear impacted a concrete inspection pit, causing the gear to collapse. The aircraft slid for several dozen meters before coming to a complete halt. The crew successfully evacuated the aircraft following the stop.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced significant vibrations immediately following the nose gear touchdown.
- The aircraft veered left during the deceleration phase.
- The pilot was unable to counteract the lateral movement using standard steering and braking inputs before the aircraft left the paved surface.