Serious Incident Involving Ethiopian Airlines Airbus A350-900 at O.R. Tambo International Airport (ET-AYB)

Incident Overview and Flight Details On 6 November 2021, an Airbus A350-900 aircraft operated by Ethiopian Airlines, bearing the registration ET-AYB and call sign ET809, was conducting a scheduled international flight from Addis Ababa International Airport (HAAB) in Ethiopia to O.R. Tambo International Airport (FAOR) in South Africa. The incident occurred at 1055Z during the final approach and landing phase at FAOR. ## Approach and Go-Around During the final approach for Runway 03R at FAOR, air traffic control (ATC) informed the crew that the wind was 300° at 20 knots. At approximately 30 feet above ground level, the captain, acting as the pilot flying, initiated a flare using a crosswind landing technique that required thrust retardation. The pilot was unable to achieve a touchdown within the designated touchdown zone and, suspecting wind shear conditions, elected to execute a go-around. The crew subsequently reported to ATC that they had encountered wind shear during the final approach. ## Aircraft Behavior and Subsequent Landing In the initial stages of the go-around, the aircraft over-banked to the right. ATC instructed the pilot to maintain the runway heading and climb to an altitude of 8,000 feet before providing vectors for a landing on Runway 03L. The pilot successfully landed the aircraft safely on Runway 03L. By 1126Z, chocks had been placed against the aircraft's wheels at the parking bay, and the crew and passengers disembarked. During the subsequent transit check, the crew identified damage to the right-side wing tip and right winglet. ## Damage and Personnel Status No injuries were reported among the occupants on board the aircraft. The aircraft sustained minor damage during the serious incident. The incident was classified as a serious incident under the relevant civil aviation regulations and ICAO definitions. ## Probable Cause and Contributory Factors The investigation determined that the probable cause of the incident was the pilot's application of excessive right rudder input while attempting to align with the runway centerline. This action caused the aircraft to over-drift to the right, resulting in a significant sideslip build-up and roll departure to the right. Consequently, the right-wing tip contacted the runway despite the pilot's left sidestick input. Contributory factors identified in the investigation included: * A left crosswind component that reduced in strength closer to the ground. * Early flare initiation, which caused the aircraft to float over the runway and miss the touchdown zone. * The absence of evidence of wind shear, despite the pilot's statement regarding its presence.