BAe Jetstream 32 Accident During Simulated Engine Failure Training (SE-LNT)

Flight Details and Training Intentions On 17 September 2003, a BAe Jetstream 32 was scheduled to operate flight EXC403 from Pajala Airport to Luleå/Kallax Airport. The flight was planned without passengers and was the third of the day for the crew. The commander, who had extensive experience including as an instructor, decided to use the flight to provide the co-pilot with training in simulated engine failure, as the co-pilot was soon to undergo an Operator’s Proficiency Check. The co-pilot served as Pilot Flying for the takeoff at 17:57. During the climb, the commander reduced thrust on the right engine to simulate an engine failure, moving the engine control lever to its rear stop. The commander understood this to represent a “simulated feather” condition, in which the engine generates no drag and causes minimal resistance. The exercise proceeded without difficulty, and the co-pilot handled the aircraft without problems. The crew then decided to practice a simulated engine failure during the landing as well. ## Approach and Loss of Control During the approach to Luleå/Kallax Airport, the commander again reduced thrust on the right engine when the aircraft was at about 3,500 feet. The co-pilot understood that the entire landing, including touchdown, would be conducted with the right engine on reduced thrust, while the commander intended to restore normal thrust before touchdown. The reference speed (Vref1) had been calculated at 107 knots IAS, with flaps lowered 20°, based on a calculated landing mass of 5,640 kg. According to the FDR recording, right engine thrust was initially reduced to just over 19% and then, for six minutes, to just under 11% as altitude decreased to 900 feet. The co-pilot flew the aircraft in a right turn to runway 32 and began the final approach from 2 nautical miles at 900 feet. The final was entered with a somewhat higher glide angle than normal. As the aircraft approached the runway threshold, right engine thrust had decreased to approximately 7%. The approach was conducted with applied rudder and opposite banking to counteract the lateral forces from asymmetrical thrust. The co-pilot experienced an unusual inertia in the ailerons. Shortly after crossing the runway threshold, at about 5 metres above the runway, both pilots felt the aircraft suddenly yaw and roll to the right. Neither pilot remembers hearing the stall warning. Despite full aileron and rudder application, the pilots were unable to stop the uncontrolled motion. The right wing tip struck the ground, followed by the fuselage. The aircraft slid on its belly about 50 metres alongside the runway before stopping. ## Accident Circumstances and Response The accident occurred at 18:28 at position 6532N 02207E, 20 metres above sea level, in daylight. The pilots hastily evacuated the aircraft. The air traffic controller observed the accident and immediately alerted the airport rescue service, which arrived within about a minute. After arrival, the commander boarded the aircraft and turned off the fuel supply and main electricity, after which the rescue service covered the aircraft with foam.