Accident Details
A cargo aircraft departed Tokyo-Narita Airport for Bangkok when the crew reported technical problems with engine number 3. The issue was traced to a worn number 6 carbon seal that caused a loss of lubrication. The crew was cleared to return to Narita for an emergency landing.
Weather conditions at the time were marginal with limited visibility. The wind was from 210 to 350 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 34 knots. Visibility was 2,200 meters, and runway 16 had an RVR of 900 meters. Heavy rain and fog were present.
Approach and Landing
The crew conducted an approach to runway 16. The airplane was too high and crossed the threshold at 500 feet. Despite this, the crew continued the descent and the aircraft touched down 1,700 meters past the runway threshold. The landing resulted in a bounce.
After touchdown, reverse thrust was applied on engines 1, 2, and 4. The airplane veered off the runway and struck a manhole, causing the nose gear to collapse.
Aftermath
The aircraft came to rest and was damaged beyond repair. All three crew members were uninjured.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the accident was the consequence of the combination of the following factors: unfavorable weather conditions, wrong runway selection according to wind component and weather, wrong approach configuration, the crew failed to initiate a go-around, and the crew misunderstood ATC instructions.