Heavy Cargo Aircraft Overshoots Runway at Stockholm/Skavsta

Casualties unknown • Incident Involving the Aircraft UK76824 a Cargo Flight, at Stockholm/Skavsta Airport, SE

An Ilyushin **IL-76TD** cargo flight overshot the runway at Stockholm/Skavsta airport following an unstabilized approach and low braking action.

What happened

On 27 December 1998, an IL-76TD cargo aircraft, registration UK768 and 76824, arrived at Stockholm/Skavsta airport from Moscow/Domodedovo. The flight, operated by Uzbekistan Havo Yullari, was carrying seven crew members and two loading personnel. During the approach, the aircraft encountered snowy conditions and wind speeds of approximately 13 knots.

As the aircraft approached the runway, the crew performed an unstabilized approach, descending below prescribed minimum altitudes before establishing on the Instrument Landing System (ILS). The aircraft crossed the runway threshold significantly too fast and too high. Consequently, the aircraft touched down approximately 1,270 meters down the runway. Despite the application of full braking and engine reverse thrust, the aircraft could not stop within the remaining runway length, eventually exiting the pavement and coming to rest 75 meters beyond the runway end. There were no injuries to the nine people on board.

The investigation

The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK) examined the flight data, cockpit voice recordings, and radar plots. The investigation focused on the communication between the flight crew and air traffic controllers, as well as the operational procedures used during the landing. Investigators also reviewed the runway conditions, which included 5 mm of snow and reported braking action coefficients of 0.25/0.25/0.28.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the incident was the aircraft landing too far down the runway combined with a low braking coefficient.
  • The approach was not flown according to standard procedures, as the aircraft was not stabilized on the ILSS at the required minimum height.
  • A significant misunderstanding occurred between the crew and air traffic control regarding the division of responsibility and operational procedures.
  • The crew failed to execute a missed approach despite the unstable approach parameters.
  • There was an insufficient use of Cockpit Resource Management (CRM) by the crew.
  • The crew incorrectly interpreted the altimeter setting, confusing QNH (sea level) with QFE (aerodrome height).
  • No technical faults were found on the aircraft.

Safety action

It is recommended that the Swedish Civil Aviation Administration advise air traffic control personnel to exercise extra caution when communicating with foreign operators. This is to prevent misunderstandings arising from differences in operational procedures and aviation cultures between various countries.

Probable cause

The incident was caused by the aircraft touching down too far down the runway during a period of low braking action. Contributing factors included an unstabilized approach and the failure to initiate a missed approach when the aircraft was not properly established on the ILS.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-12-27 aircraft accident near Incident Involving the Aircraft UK76824 a Cargo Flight, at Stockholm/Skavsta Airport, SE?

An Ilyushin **IL-76TD** cargo flight overshot the runway at Stockholm/Skavsta airport following an unstabilized approach and low braking action.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-12-27 involved a aircraft, at Incident Involving the Aircraft UK76824 a Cargo Flight, at Stockholm/Skavsta Airport, SE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The incident was caused by the aircraft touching down too far down the runway during a period of low braking action. Contributing factors included an unstabilized approach and the failure to initiate a missed approach when the aircraft was not properly established on the ILS.

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