What happened
On 8 June 2000, a BAe 146-200, registration G-JEAJ, was performing a scheduled public transport flight from Edinburgh to London City Airport. During the approach to Runway 10, the aircraft was flying an autopilot-coupled procedure in stable landing configuration. At 1,700 feet, the commander disconnected the autopilot and transitioned to a visual approach, utilizing the Visual Approach Slope Indicators.
As the aircraft flared at approximately 100 feet, it experienced an unexpected and unrecoverable increase in sink rate. This resulted in a heavy touchdown short of the intended touchdown zone. The aircraft bounced, prompting the first officer to suggest a go-around; however, the commander elected to continue the landing. A second heavy impact occurred, during which only the green hydraulic system spoilers deployed. The crew applied maximum braking, eventually bringing the aircraft to a stop within the available runway distance. Following the event, a post-flight inspection by the commander and an engineer revealed damage to the aft underside of the fuselage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the cause of the sudden sink rate and the extent of the structural damage. While a runway inspection was delayed by 24 hours and subsequent rainfall, no specific scrape marks were identified on the pavement.
Physical examination of G-JEAJ revealed a light scrape, measuring approximately 1.57 metres in length and 0.27 metres in width, on the underside of the rear fuselage between Frame 37 and Frame 39. The damage consisted of paint loss, light abrasion, and some dimpling of the skin between stringers and frames, though the skin was not penetrated and the underlying structure remained intact. A light strike was also noted on the tail bumper. Subsequent maintenance inspections confirmed no further structural issues, and the skin panel was replaced before the aircraft returned to service.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a sudden, high sink rate during the flare phase of the landing.
- The commander may have reduced thrust too early during the flare.
- A downdraft from nearby buildings or variable wind conditions likely contributed to the unarrested sink rate.
- The heavy, nose-high touchdown caused the rear fuselage to scrape the runway surface.