Synopsis
On May 2, 2018, at 12:15 UTC, a Boeing 737-800, registration OO-JAY, operated by TUI Fly, was involved in an accident at Marrakech-Menara Airport (GMMX), Morocco, during a line training flight. The aircraft was completing commercial flight TB3640 from Brest-Bretagne, France, to Marrakech. The crew consisted of a captain qualified as a Type Rating Instructor (TRI) and Line Flying Under Supervision (LIFUS) instructor, and a first officer (OPL) under training as pilot flying (PF).
Sequence of Events
During a visual approach to runway 10 (QFU 10), the aircraft was found to be below the standard glide path on short final. The PF attempted corrections, which resulted in a high trajectory profile. At 100 feet above aerodrome level, the PF reduced engine thrust to near idle and continued the descent with a high sink rate. The captain, without taking control, added thrust to reduce the descent rate. The aircraft then performed a hard landing with a bounce, after which the captain assumed control. During the landing, the tail skid and lower aft fuselage struck the runway (tail strike).
Crew Information
The captain, aged 29, held an ATPL(A) license with TRI and LIFUS qualifications, and type ratings on B737 300-900 and EMB170. He had 6,000 total flight hours, including 4,000 on the B737. The first officer, aged 25, held a theoretical ATPL and a B737 300-900 type rating. He had 650 total flight hours, 500 on the B737. This was his second flight with TUI Fly, having joined the company on March 5, 2018.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to the lower aft fuselage, the tail skid, and the rear drain mast. The damage required the aircraft to be grounded for repairs. No injuries to crew or passengers were reported.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, the meteorological conditions at Marrakech were favorable. The METAR at 12:00 UTC reported wind from 360° at 4 knots, visibility greater than 10 km, few clouds at 2,000 feet, temperature 18°C, dew point 16°C, and QNH 1017 hPa.
Flight Recorders
The aircraft was equipped with a cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR), both manufactured by L3Com, which were recovered intact. The FDR data were analyzed with assistance from the Saudi Arabian accident investigation bureau. The data showed the aircraft's trajectory and thrust settings during the approach and landing.
Operator Information
TUI Fly is a Belgian low-cost airline operating public passenger transport services, including to Morocco, with a fleet of Boeing 737 and Embraer aircraft.