What happened
On 25 October 2013, an Air Nostrum Bombardier CRJ900, registration EC-JYA, was operating a scheduled domestic flight from Madrid-Barajas to San Sebastian Airport (LESO). Upon arrival, the crew observed irregular weather conditions, including moving cloud masses and potential storms. Although cleared for an instrument approach to runway 22, the crew decided to perform a visual approach to runway 04 after sighting the field.
To manage their altitude, the crew executed a descending 360-degree turn. During the final approach, the pilot flying adjusted the flight path to avoid terrain and prevent EGPWS activation. The approach was not stabilized; the aircraft was flying at a glide slope of 3.9 degrees, which exceeded the stabilization parameters established for the airport, and the PAPI lights indicated a steep descent with all four lights showing red. During the flare at approximately 50 feet, the aircraft moved sharply downward. The main landing gear struck the runway with high vertical force.
Following the touchdown, the crew performed a walkaround inspection and found no immediate visible leaks or damage. They proceeded to Madrid, where a more thorough inspection by maintenance personnel revealed damage to the landing gear components, necessitating the grounding of the aircraft for repairs.
The investigation
The CIAIAC examined the flight data, cockpit voice recordings, and the airline's specific operating procedures for San Sebastian. The investigation focused on the flight path, the crew's adherence to stabilized approach criteria, and the effectiveness of the post-landing inspection performed by the crew.
Findings
- The approach was not stabilized, characterized by a high rate of descent in the final segment.
- The pilot flying deviated from the PAPI reference readings to avoid terrain and maintain a specific flight path.
- The crew did not increase engine thrust during the flare, partly due to a fear of a tail strike if the pitch angle was increased further.
- The initial walkaround inspection by the crew failed to detect the structural damage that was later identified by maintenance personnel.
Safety action
- REC 62/15: It is recommended that Air Nostrum establish measures to ensure crews can efficiently and objectively assess whether a landing constitutes a hard landing, requiring the aircraft to be declared AOG (Aircraft on Ground) before proceeding to the next flight.