Incident Overview
The aircraft named 'Gissur Viking' was on approach to Trondheim runway 27 with the copilot at the controls. The approach proceeded normally until the final stages, when a series of crew coordination failures resulted in a hard landing and subsequent go-around. The aircraft sustained severe structural damage and was subsequently deemed beyond repair.
Sequence of Events
Descending through 2,500 feet, the air traffic controller instructed the crew to contact SAS Station in Trondheim over the company frequency. The captain, who was working through the checklist at the time, contacted SAS Station. This action was contrary to company regulations, which prohibit the use of the company frequency during final approach.
Distracted by the communication, the captain did not complete the checklist and consequently forgot to arm the spoilers. As the aircraft descended through 100 feet, the copilot noticed the spoilers were not armed and called out "Spoilers." The pilot instinctively extended the spoilers, but immediately realized the mistake and retracted them. This sequence caused the aircraft to enter a high sink rate, resulting in a heavy touchdown.
Aftermath
A go-around was executed, and after landing, severe structural damage was discovered. The undercarriage was damaged, both engines were tilted down (30 and 15 degrees respectively), and the tail cone was compromised, with the auxiliary power unit (APU) pushed halfway up the tail. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair. All 107 occupants escaped uninjured.
Probable Cause
The official findings stated the probable cause as: "Wrong approach configuration on part of the flying crew. Lack of crew coordination and approach checklist not completed were considered as contributing factors."