What happened
On 30 November 2010, a DHC-8-402 Dash 8, registration G-JEDR, was performing a commercial passenger flight at Bournemouth Airport. While executing an ILS approach to Runway 0SB in icing conditions, the crew determined that the runway length was insufficient for a standard landing. Consequently, they opted for a flap 0° approach.
As the aircraft descended, the pilot began reducing power to reach flight idle in accordance with the emergency checklist. However, the aircraft was experiencing a high rate of descent, which increased significantly as it approached the ground. To counteract this, the pilot increased the aircraft's pitch attitude. This maneuver caused the aft lower fuselage to strike the runway, resulting in damage to a frangible touchdown detection switch. There were no fatalities and no injuries among the 4 crew members or 69 passengers on board.
The investigation
The AAIB examined flight data and interviewed the crew to understand the sequence of events. The investigation revealed that the aircraft's groundspeed was higher than a typical approach, necessitating a much steeper descent rate. The investigation also reviewed the operator's manuals and the manufacturer's guidance regarding abnormal flap configurations.
It was noted that the operator's emergency checklist instructed pilots to reduce power gradually to achieve flight idle at touchdown. However, flight data showed the pilot began reducing power while still approximately 30 ft above the ground. The investigation also considered the impact of a significant wind drop during the final stages of the approach, which may have contributed to the instability.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in a flap 0° configuration due to runway length constraints and icing conditions.
- The rate of descent was significantly higher than a standard approach, reaching 1,000 ft/min as the aircraft neared the ground.
- The pilot increased the pitch attitude to reduce the rate of descent, which led to the fuselage striking the runway.
- The reduction in power, as prescribed by the operator's checklist, likely contributed to the increased descent rate before the pilot reacted with pitch.
- The aircraft's groundspeed was higher than normal, requiring a steeper glidepath.