What happened
On 17 September 2003, a BAe Jetstream 32 was performing a scheduled flight from Pajala Airport to Luleå/Kallax Airport. The flight was intended to be a passenger-free operation. During the flight, the commander decided to use the session to provide the co-pilot with training on managing a simulated engine failure. Following a successful takeoff from Pajala, the commander reduced thrust on the right engine to mimic a failure.
As the aircraft approached Lule and Kallax Airport at approximately 3,500 feet, the commander repeated the procedure by reducing thrust on the right engine. While the co-pilot believed the engine would remain at reduced power through the touchdown, the commander intended to restore full thrust before landing. Flight data indicates that the right engine thrust was progressively reduced from 19% to approximately 7% as the aircraft descended to 900 feet.
During the final approach to runway 32, the aircraft maintained a steeper glide angle than usual. The crew utilized rudder and opposite banking to manage the asymmetric thrust, though the co-pilot noted unusual inertia in the ailerons. Just after crossing the runway threshold at an altitude of roughly 5 meters, the aircraft suffered a sudden yaw and roll to the right. Despite the crew applying full rudder and aileron, the motion became uncontrolled, leading the right wingtip to strike the ground. The two crew members survived as the fuselage slid 50 meters along the runway before coming to a halt.
Findings
- The training exercise involved a significant reduction in right engine thrust during the approach phase.
- There was a critical lack of communication regarding the commander's intention to restore power before touchdown.
- The aircraft experienced an uncontrolled roll and yaw immediately prior to ground contact.