Right wingtip strike during landing at León Airport

Casualties unknown • Aeropuerto de León (León), ES

A Bombardier CRJ900 experienced a right wingtip strike during landing at León Airport due to excessive control inputs at low altitude.

What happened

On April 25, 2012, an Air Nostrum Bombardier CL-600-2D24 (CRJ900), registration EC-JZS, was operating a scheduled domestic flight from Barcelona to León. The region was experiencing severe weather caused by Storm Petra, which brought heavy winds and rain to the area.

During the ILS approach to runway 23 at León, the crew encountered strong surface winds of approximately 35 knots. As the aircraft neared the ground, the pilot experienced a sudden drop in airspeed and a significant rightward roll. While attempting to correct the aircraft's alignment with the runway centerline, the pilot applied significant rudder and control inputs. This resulted in the right wingtip making contact with the runway surface.

Following the landing, the crew performed an external inspection but did not notice any damage, likely due to the poor visibility caused by rain and wind. The damage was only discovered by the commander during a subsequent walkaround after the return flight to Barcelona.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the incident was the crew performing a control correction at a very low altitude, which induced excessive right wing roll during touchdown. Contributing factors included strong surface winds that amplified ground effect and the pilot's limited experience with the specific characteristics of the CRJ900 model.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-04-25 Bombardier CL-600-2D 24 accident near Aeropuerto de León (León), ES?

A Bombardier CRJ900 experienced a right wingtip strike during landing at León Airport due to excessive control inputs at low altitude.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-04-25 involved a Bombardier CL-600-2D 24, registration EC-JZS, at Aeropuerto de León (León), ES.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the incident was the crew performing a control correction at a very low altitude, which induced excessive right wing roll during touchdown. Contributing factors included strong surface winds that amplified ground effect and the pilot's limited experience with the specific characteristics of the…

Investigation report by the Spanish Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIAC). Original record: https://www.transportes.gob.es/recursos_mfom/2012_013_in_2.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Comision de Investigacion de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviacion Civil (CIAIAC), Spain - Ministerio de Transportes y Movilidad Sostenible.

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