Fuselage breakup during landing accident

No fatalities • Granada, Spain • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a structural failure and fuselage breakup following a series of hard landings on runway 09.

What happened

During the approach to runway 09, the aircraft encountered a tailwind of 11 knots. Upon touchdown, the aircraft struck the runway 50 metres beyond the threshold with significant force. This initial impact was followed by a bounce, leading to a second heavy landing approximately 360 metres further down the runway. The force of these impacts was substantial, with recorded accelerations of 4.49 g during the first contact and 4.79 g during the second.

As a result of the intense physical stress, all tires on the aircraft burst. The structural integrity of the airframe failed, causing the fuselage to break into two separate sections between sections 756 and 760. Following the cessation of movement, an evacuation was conducted for all 99 occupants. During the event, 26 people sustained injuries, with four of those injuries classified as serious.

Findings

  • The aircraft experienced a hard landing and subsequent bounce due to the impact of a tailwind component.
  • The structural failure of the fuselage was a direct consequence of the high-g vertical accelerations experienced during the two impacts.

Probable cause

The aircraft suffered a structural breakup following a series of heavy landings caused by a significant tailwind during approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-03-30 Douglas DC-9 accident near Granada, Spain?

An aircraft experienced a structural failure and fuselage breakup following a series of hard landings on runway 09.

Were there any fatalities in the 1992-03-30 Douglas DC-9 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-03-30 involved a Douglas DC-9, registration EC-BYH, operated by Aviaco - Aviacion y Comercio, at Granada, Spain.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft suffered a structural breakup following a series of heavy landings caused by a significant tailwind during approach.

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