Incident Overview
An aircraft completing a flight from RAF Wittering to Tromsø, carrying a Harrier load, experienced a loss of directional control after touchdown on a runway covered with slush. The aircraft first deviated to the left, then swung hard to the right and departed the runway.
Sequence of Events
Upon landing, the aircraft captain feathered the two starboard engines without verbally stating that he had control. Meanwhile, the co-pilot, believing he was still in control, applied right rudder and brakes. Instead of correcting back to the centreline, the aircraft veered sharply to the right and left the runway.
As the aircraft crossed over the 'monnie' drain, the cockpit area of the fuselage broke off near the crew door, coming to rest at an angle to the main fuselage. The tail also separated. The crew evacuated through the flight deck windows, leaving all systems still switched on and live.
Aftermath and Injuries
A passenger had trapped his hand on the 'towel rail' when it folded under impact. The navigator struck the passenger's hand, which freed it but broke the passenger's fingers. After exiting the aircraft, the Air Load Master (ALM) suffered a non-fatal heart attack. The main fuselage was filled with dirt that entered through the break; the report noted that if the ALM and passenger had been seated there, they would have been killed. The cargo load remained secured to the floor, with no bottles broken.
Official Findings
At the Board of Enquiry, all crew members except the navigator were found guilty of negligence. Both pilots were cited for lack of coordination; the engineer for leaving the frame live; and the ALM for not being at his correct position for landing.