Engine Nacelle Damage During Landing at Milan Malpensa

Casualties unknown • Aeroporto di Tortolì, IT

A Boeing 747 cargo flight experienced significant engine nacelle damage after the aircraft's right outer engine made prolonged contact with the runway during a low-visibility landing.

What happened

On January 23, 2001, at 01:44 UTC, a Boeing 747-243B Special Freighter, registration I-DEMC, was performing a cargo flight from Chicago to Milan Malpensa. During the landing phase on runway 35R under low-visibility conditions (CAT II), the aircraft experienced a sudden and prolonged contact between the underside of the number 4 engine nacelle (the outer engine on the right wing) and the runway surface.

As the pilot flying (PF) attempted to correct a slight lateral deviation from the runway centerline, aggressive control inputs caused the aircraft to tilt significantly to the right. This resulted in the right main landing gear strut compressing fully while the left main gear remained several meters above the ground. The resulting angle caused the engine nacelle to scrape the runway for approximately 7 to 8 seconds, causing substantial metal loss on the lower drainage fin. Following the contact, the pilot flying initiated an unexpected go-around, which was performed while the right main gear was still in contact with the pavement, leading to further operational irregularities.

The investigation

The ANSV investigation relied on flight data from the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and interviews with the crew, as the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and radio communications were not available for review. The investigation examined the flight path, the pilot's manual control inputs during the final approach, and the meteorological conditions, which included rain and fog.

Findings

  • The aircraft was stable until the final approach phase.
  • The pilot flying implemented excessive and incorrect control inputs (rudder and yoke) in an attempt to correct a minor lateral offset.
  • The extreme right bank angle caused the engine nacelle to strike the runway.
  • The decision to execute a go-around was made unexpectedly by the pilot flying, without the prior agreement of the other crew members.
  • The go-around maneuver was performed improperly, with the aircraft still partially grounded, leading to delayed gear and flap retraction.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the incident was improper manual handling of the aircraft during the final approach, specifically the use of excessive and incorrect control inputs to correct a minor lateral deviation, which led to the engine nacelle making contact with the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-12-08 P.68 Victor, accident near Aeroporto di Tortolì, IT?

A Boeing 747 cargo flight experienced significant engine nacelle damage after the aircraft's right outer engine made prolonged contact with the runway during a low-visibility landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-12-08 involved a P.68 Victor,, registration I-GAUS, at Aeroporto di Tortolì, IT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the incident was improper manual handling of the aircraft during the final approach, specifically the use of excessive and incorrect control inputs to correct a minor lateral deviation, which led to the engine nacelle making contact with the runway.

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