What happened
On 27 September 2007, a Boeing 747-412F cargo flight arriving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport was landing at Amsterdam Schiproll Airport (EHAM) on runway 36R. The flight, operated by a crew of three, encountered a light crosswind from the right due to shifting wind conditions. During the landing phase, the aircraft's roll angle increased significantly. While the crew reported a stable approach and noted only a slight wing drop during the flare that was immediately corrected, the aircraft's flight data recorder later revealed that the roll angle reached 13 degrees immediately after the main wheels touched the ground.
Following the landing, the aircraft taxied to its parking position. No damage was reported by the crew or the maintenance manager on duty during the subsequent cargo loading process. An inspection performed by a crew member prior to the next leg of the flight also failed to identify any issues with the fourth engine, noting only that two navigation lights were non-functional. The aircraft subsequently departed for Manchester Airport.
The investigation
Damage to the bottom of the right outboard engine plating was discovered by maintenance personnel upon the aircraft's arrival in Manchester. The British Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) initiated the investigation and subsequently involved the Dutch Safety Board (OVV).
Investigators analyzed the flight data recorder (FDR) to reconstruct the landing parameters. The analysis showed that while the wind had shifted from 25 knots to 15 knots shortly before touchdown, the aircraft experienced a significant roll. The FDR data indicated that the aircraft's roll and pitch values exceeded the safety limits established for a normal landing configuration, where shock absorbers are compressed.
Findings
- The investigation determined that the right outboard engine touched the runway during the landing at Schiphol.
- FDR data confirmed that the aircraft's roll angle reached 13 degrees and pitch reached 7 degrees nose up immediately after touchdown, exceeding the prescribed limits for ground contact.
- It remains undetermined why the damage was not identified during the visual inspections conducted by the crew or the ground maintenance staff at Schiphol.