Synopsis
A serious incident occurred on 12 February 2014 when a DHC-8-402 Dash 8, registration G-JECJ, experienced a heavy landing during a scheduled commercial passenger flight from Birmingham to Belfast City Airport. The commander, who was the pilot flying, lost control of the aircraft when his prosthetic lower left arm became detached from the yoke clamp during the landing flare in gusty conditions. The aircraft bounced and then landed heavily. No injuries were sustained by the 4 crew members or 47 passengers, and no damage to the aircraft was reported.
History of the Flight
The flight was conducted at night, with the commander occupying the left seat. The wind at Belfast City Airport was strong west-south-westerly, gusting up to 48 kt. Prior to the approach, the commander verified that his prosthetic lower left arm was securely attached to the yoke clamp using a latching device. Although gusts exceeding the aircraft's crosswind limit were reported, the final wind report from ATC indicated conditions within the limit, and the approach was continued.
After disconnecting the autopilot, the commander flew the aircraft manually. During the flare maneuver, with more than flight idle torque still applied, the prosthetic limb detached from the yoke clamp, depriving him of control. The commander quickly assessed the situation and considered having the co-pilot take over. However, he concluded that because the co-pilot would have had little time to assimilate the information needed to take control in the challenging conditions, his best course of action was to move his right hand from the power levers to the yoke. He did so, but with power still applied and possibly a gust affecting the aircraft, a normal touchdown was followed by a bounce, and then the aircraft landed heavily.
Safety Action
The commander stated that in the future he would be more cautious when checking the attachment of his prosthesis, as his check may have dislodged the latching mechanism. He also indicated that he would brief his co-pilots about the possibility of a similar event and that they should be ready to take control at any time.