What happened
On 15 June 2006, a Boeing 737-301SF, registration OO-TND, was operating a cargo flight from Liège Airport, Belgium, to London Stansted Airport. Upon reaching the London area, the crew encountered weather conditions at Stansted that had fallen below the minimum visibility requirements for landing. After entering a holding pattern, the crew coordinated with their company and decided to divert to Nottingham East Midlands Airport.
As visibility continued to decline, the commander opted to divert further to Birmingham Airport, where weather conditions were more favorable. The approach to Runway 3 to Birmingham was planned as a Category IIIA approach. While the aircraft was approximately one mile from the runway threshold, the autopilot was briefly disconnected and then re-engaged. Following this, the aircraft climbed above the glide-slope and subsequently began a rapid descent while drifting left of the runway centerline.
Although the crew attempted a go-around, the aircraft made a heavy touchdown on the grass area to the left of the runway threshold. The impact caused the right main landing gear to detach, leading to damage to the right inboard flap, the wing/body fairing, and the rear freight hold door. The aircraft continued its movement along the ground, with the right engine, right outboard flap track fairing, and right wing tip making contact with the surface before the aircraft was able to lift off again.
The investigation
The AAIB conducted an investigation into the accident with support from the aircraft manufacturer, the operator, the flight crew, and airport authorities. The inquiry focused on the flight path deviations during the approach and the mechanical consequences of the heavy touchdown.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a momentary autopilot disconnection and re-engagement shortly before the threshold.
- The aircraft deviated from the glide-slope and centerline, leading to a high rate of descent.
- The heavy landing resulted in the loss of hydraulic System ‘A’ and substantial structural damage to the right side of the airframe.
- There were no injuries to the two crew members on board, and no fire or fuel leaks were reported.