Structural damage to Gissur Viking during landing approach at Trondheim

No fatalities • Trondheim-Værnes, Norway • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a heavy touchdown during its approach to Trondheim, resulting in significant structural damage but no injuries to the 107 occupants.

What happened

During an approach to runway 27 at Trondheim, the Gissur Viking, a Boeing 737 (implied by context of heavy landing/spoilers), was descending through 2500 feet with the co-pilot managing the controls. During this phase, air traffic control instructed the crew to establish contact with SAS Station via the company frequency. While performing necessary checklists, the captain contacted the station using the company frequency, which deviated from established company procedures regarding use during final approach.

Due to the interruption in the checklist process, the spoilers were not properly armed. As the aircraft descended through 100 feet, the co-pilot identified that the spoilers remained disarmed and alerted the captain. In response, the pilot manually extended the spoilers but quickly retracted them upon realizing the error. This action caused the aircraft to enter a high sink rate, leading to a heavy impact upon touchdown.

Following the landing, a go-around was performed. A subsequent inspection revealed extensive structural damage to the aircraft, including severe damage to the undercarriage and the engines, which were tilted downward by 30 degrees and 15 degrees respectively. The tail cone also sustained significant damage, with the APU displaced halfway into the tail section. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries among the 107 occupants, though the aircraft was determined to be a total loss.

Findings

Investigations concluded that the primary reason for the accident was an incorrect approach configuration by the flying crew. Contributing factors included a failure to complete the approach checklist and a lack of effective coordination between the crew members.

Probable cause

The crew failed to maintain the correct aircraft configuration due to incomplete checklists and poor coordination during the final approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1987-02-23 Douglas DC-9 accident near Trondheim-Værnes, Norway?

An aircraft experienced a heavy touchdown during its approach to Trondheim, resulting in significant structural damage but no injuries to the 107 occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 1987-02-23 Douglas DC-9 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1987-02-23 involved a Douglas DC-9, registration SE-DAT, operated by Scandinavian Airlines System - SAS, at Trondheim-Værnes, Norway.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to maintain the correct aircraft configuration due to incomplete checklists and poor coordination during the final approach.

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