Boeing 747 engine cowling damaged during landing at Frankfurt

Casualties unknown • Flughafen Frankfurt/Main, DE

A cargo Boeing 747 struck a runway edge light during a simulated Category III automatic landing at Frankfurt Airport, resulting in minor damage to the aircraft.

What happened

On April 4, 1997, at approximately 12:30 local time, a cargo Boeing 747-230B was performing a simulated automatic landing under Category III (BS III) procedures at Frankfurt/Main Airport. The flight originated from New Delhi. The crew, consisting of three members, was conducting the simulated approach due to a previous concern regarding the aircraft's autoflight system.

During the landing roll on runway 25L, the aircraft's number 1 engine (outer left) collided with a runway edge light located west of the Foxtrott taxiway intersection. The impact destroyed the light and caused a tear in the underside of the engine cowling, measuring approximately 30 cm wide and 100 cm long. There were no injuries to the crew, and the aircraft sustained only minor damage. The collision occurred as the aircraft was positioned approximately 4.5 meters left of the runway centerline.

The investigation

The BFU examined the flight data recorder (FDR) to reconstruct the landing sequence. The data revealed that all three autopilots were engaged at an altitude of approximately 2,400 feet and remained active until after touchdown. The investigation also included a meteorological assessment from the German Meteorological Service (DWD) and a review of air traffic control procedures regarding the clearance of sensitive ILS areas.

Findings

  • The aircraft experienced a significant left bank just before touchdown, shifting from a right bank of 3° to a left bank of 5° at approximately 50 feet altitude.
  • The leftward roll caused the number 1 engine to strike the edge light.
  • While wind gusts of up to 25 knots were present, the sustained crosswind component did not exceed the 15-knot limit specified for Category III operations.
  • There were no evidence of technical defects in the aircraft's autoflight system found during subsequent technical inspections.
  • The investigation could not definitively determine the cause of the sudden roll.
  • It was noted that because the pilot had not specifically requested a Category III approach, the air traffic controller did not implement the required ground-side precautions to clear the ILS sensitive and critical areas of vehicles or aircraft. The BFU could not rule out that electromagnetic interference from objects within these areas may have affected the automatic landing.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the aircraft's sudden leftward roll during the final stages of the landing could not be determined; however, the lack of ground-side precautions to clear the ILS sensitive areas of potential interference could not be excluded.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-04-04 Boeing Company Boeing 747230B accident near Flughafen Frankfurt/Main, DE?

A cargo Boeing 747 struck a runway edge light during a simulated Category III automatic landing at Frankfurt Airport, resulting in minor damage to the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-04-04 involved a Boeing Company Boeing 747230B, at Flughafen Frankfurt/Main, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause of the aircraft's sudden leftward roll during the final stages of the landing could not be determined; however, the lack of ground-side precautions to clear the ILS sensitive areas of potential interference could not be excluded.

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