Introduction
On 18 August 2019, a Boeing 757-251, registration N543US, operated by Delta Air Lines as flight DAL414, performed a scheduled commercial flight from New York (KJFK) to Ponta Delgada (LPPD), Azores, Portugal. The approach and landing resulted in a hard touchdown that caused substantial damage to the primary structure of the aircraft.
History of the Flight
The flight departed New York at 04:01 UTC and arrived at Ponta Delgada at 08:24 UTC. The crew initially planned an ILS approach to runway 30 but were later cleared for an RNAV (GNSS1) Z approach to runway 12. The estimated landing weight was 196,000 lb, below the maximum landing weight of 198,000 lb. The crew calculated a Vref of 133 kt and selected brake 4 on the automatic brake system. The reported wind was 050° at 16 kt, variable between 020° and 080°, with a local temperature of 21°C.
During the approach, at approximately 1,500 ft, the co-pilot (pilot flying) disengaged the autopilot and followed standard operating procedures. On short final, speed variations were corrected with flight control inputs and engine power adjustments. The initial touchdown on the left main gear was followed by the right main gear, both considered normal. Immediately after, the aircraft nose pitched down abruptly and the nose landing gear contacted the runway hard. The aircraft remained on the runway centerline and decelerated rapidly. At about 100 kt, the captain took control. The aircraft then taxied to the assigned parking stand without any anomaly reports from the crew.
Damage
A post-flight inspection revealed damage to the lower forward fuselage near the nose landing gear and the upper central fuselage forward of the wing. The aircraft suffered deformation of frames, stringers, and skin on the primary fuselage structure, as well as permanent deformation of the nose landing gear axle.
Injuries
All seven crew members and 161 passengers left the aircraft uninjured.
Investigation
The Portuguese aviation safety authority (GPIAAF) was notified around 11:00 UTC and initiated a safety investigation. The investigation collected flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder information and assessed the aircraft damage. The event was classified as a serious incident. Due to the limited complexity and safety learning, the investigation was concluded with this summary report.
Findings
The pilot in command, a 59-year-old male, held a valid Airline Transport Pilot License and medical certificate, with 18,000 total flight hours, including 3,350 hours on type. The co-pilot, a 42-year-old male, also held a valid ATPL and medical certificate, with 850 total flight hours, all on type. This was the co-pilot's second landing using auto brake 4. No evidence of any medical condition affecting the crew was found.