What happened
On 18 August 1998, a Boeag 767-204, registration G-BRIF, was completing a scheduled passenger flight from Palma, Majorca, to Newcastle Airport. During the arrival, the crew opted for a visual approach to Runway 25. At 1,500 feet, the commander disconnected the autopilot to manually fly the approach.
Upon landing, the aircraft experienced a firm touchdown. Following contact with the runway, the aircraft drifted to the right of the centerline, causing both sets of landing gear to leave the paved surface. The aircraft traveled approximately 265 metres on the grass before the first officer applied left rudder to steer the plane back onto the runway. The nose wheel re-entered the pavement 100 metres before the aircraft reached the runway surface. There were no fatalities and no injuries among the 255 passengers or 9 crew members, though the aircraft sustained minor damage to a main landing gear tyre and a runway edge light was broken.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the flight sequence and the physical evidence left on the airfield. Investigators noted that the weather conditions were clear with good visibility and light winds. The investigation also focused on the physical state of the commander, who reported experiencing a strange sensation in his left foot the morning of the incident. This sensation potentially interfered with his ability to use the rudder pedals effectively during the landing phase.
Further inquiries revealed that the commander's health may have been declining prior to the event. It was noted that a different first officer from the same operator had previously raised concerns regarding the commander's motor skills with management. Additionally, the first officer on duty during the Newcastle landing had observed the commander walking with a limp in the days leading up to the event.
Findings
- The aircraft left the runway surface following a firm touchdown.
- The commander experienced a subtle medical incapacitation caused by a neurological issue affecting his left foot, which hindered his ability to maintain directional control.
- The commander was likely unaware of the full extent of his physical deterioration at the time of the landing.
- The first officer's corrective rudder input was successful in returning the aircraft to the paved surface.