What happened
On 8 December 1999, a Boeing 727-200, registration N12305, was conducting a cargo flight from Brussels to East Midlands Airport. During the NDB approach to Runway 27, the aircraft encountered gusty wind conditions, with surface winds reported between 22 and 33 knots. At the time, runway resurfacing works were underway, necessitating a sterile area and a displaced threshold that reduced the landing distance available to 1,600 metres.
The crew reported that they used the Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPIs) to guide the descent. During short finals, the aircraft experienced a period of high sink rate. Although corrective action was attempted, the aircraft landed heavily. The touchdown occurred within the sterile area, and the impact resulted in minor damage to the tail bumper. An inspection following the incident revealed evidence of a possible tailscrape, as well as damage to a sandbag and part of the approach lights.
The investigation
The AAIB examined flight data from the aircraft's Flight Data Recorder (FDR). While the commander believed the aircraft had descended significantly due to wind, the FDR indicated that airspeed remained relatively stable between 140 kt and 150 kt, with a descent rate of approximately 800 ft/min. The data showed the aircraft pitched up to 3° nose up at 60 feet agl, followed by a pitch-down maneuver. However, the pitch attitude rapidly increased over 1.75 seconds, resulting in a touchdown at a 7.2° nose-up attitude with a recorded acceleration of 1.38G.
No evidence of windshear or a sudden loss of altitude was identified in the FDR parameters. The investigation also noted that the operator could not provide the necessary documentation for the FDR data frame layout and parameter conversion algorithms, a deficiency that prevented a more precise analysis of certain parameters.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a heavy landing characterized by a significant nose-up pitch attitude at touchdown.
- The touchdown occurred within the sterile area of the runway, which was restricted due to ongoing maintenance.
- The investigation found no evidence of windshear or sudden altitude loss during the final approach phase.
- There was a lack of documentation from the operator regarding the conversion of FDR data into engineering units.