What happened
On 20 June 2002, a Fokker F2t Mark 500 Friendship, registered G-JEAE, was conducting a cargo flight from Bournemouth to Guernsey. The flight proceeded without incident through good weather, and the crew established a visual approach to Runway 27.
During the final stages of the approach, the aircraft's speed began to decay. While the crew believed they were maintaining a speed at or above VREF, flight data indicated the speed had dropped significantly below the target. As the aircraft neared the runway, the sink rate increased, likely due to the reduction of power and the subsequent loss of lift. The aircraft touched down 120 metres from the threshold with a high pitch attitude. Following the landing, a subsequent inspection by the commander revealed that the aircraft had suffered a tailstrike.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the damage to the aircraft, which included the tailskid being pushed 2.5 inches into the airframe, necessitating repairs to the surrounding skin and structure. The investigation reviewed the flight data recorder, which provided a history of the aircraft's altitude, airspeed, and flap configuration.
Investigators noted a discrepancy between the operator's Operations Manual and the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) regarding the correct approach speed for a visual approach using 40° of flap. The manual suggested a target of 120 kt, whereas the QRH formula indicated a lower speed of 111 kt. Furthermore, data showed the aircraft's speed had decreased to 91 kt at the moment of touchdown, which was significantly below the required VREF.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a tailstrike caused by an excessively high pitch attitude and a heavy landing.
- The aircraft's speed had decreased to 91 kt at touchdown, which was below the VREF of 100 kt.
- An increased sink rate just before touchdown was likely caused by reducing power and the resulting loss of slipstream-induced lift.
- There were conflicting approach speed instructions between the operator's Operations Manual and the QRH.