What happened
On May 18, 2007, a Fokker 50, registration OO-VLI, was operating a scheduled passenger flight from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Groningen Airport Eelde. During the landing phase on runway 05, the aircraft performed a high-speed approach that resulted in a long touchdown. The aircraft's nose wheel made contact with the runway approximately 890 meters before the end of the pavement, while the main landing gear did not touch down until only 320 meters remained.
Due to the excessive speed and landing distance, the crew was unable to stop the aircraft within the available runway length. The aircraft veered toward the left edge of the runway, causing the left main landing gear to depart the paved surface and strike a runway edge light. The aircraft eventually overran the end of the runway, coming to a halt in the grass 60 meters beyond the threshold. There were no injuries among the 14 people on board, though the aircraft sustained minor damage and two runway lights were destroyed.
The investigation
The Dutch Safety Board (OVV) analyzed flight data recorder information, cockpit voice recordings, and interviews with the flight crew. The investigation focused on the descent profile and the aircraft's configuration upon arrival. Investigators noted that the aircraft crossed the runway threshold at 300 feet—significantly higher than the recommended 50 feet—at a speed of 150 knots.
Technical examinations of the braking system and engine throttle controls by Fokker Services confirmed that the mechanical components, including the ground/flight switch and idle stops, were functional. The investigation also reviewed the meteorological conditions, noting a tailwind component that the crew had not fully accounted for during their descent.
Findings
- The primary cause was the pilot's decision to land the aircraft while it was in an unstabilized condition.
- The approach was characterized by an excessive sink rate that triggered multiple EGPWS 'sink rate' and 'pull up' warnings, which the pilot chose to disregard.
- The crew was unaware of the prevailing tailwind component, which contributed to a delayed and steep descent.
- The high approach speed and high threshold crossing altitude significantly increased the required landing distance beyond the 1800 meters available at the airport.
- The aircraft's high speed prevented a proper flare, leading to a 'wheel-barrowing' effect where the nose wheel touched down first, delaying the application of wheel brakes.