What happened
On April 12, 2005, a Boeing 737-800, registration PP-VSB, was performing a takeoff from Porto Alegre (SBPA) bound for Ezeiza (SAEZ). Upon reaching V1 speed, the crew experienced an unusual noise accompanied by moderate vibration. The vibration ceased once the aircraft became airborne.
Following the takeoff, the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower notified the crew that a runway inspection was underway because a loud noise had been heard during their departure. It was subsequently discovered that the aircraft had struck debris on the runway, including tire fragments and a fairing. These objects had detached from a Boeing 707, registration PP-BRG, which had departed shortly before PP-VSB.
After consulting with maintenance personnel, the crew decided to continue the flight to Ezeiza. Although the aircraft sustained light damage to the left engine nacelle, the left landing gear, and the underside of the left wing near the flap, the crew declared an emergency and landed safely in Argentina. All 47 passengers and 7 crew members were unharmed.
The investigation
The investigation established that the debris on the runway originated from the PP-BRG aircraft. An analysis by the preceding operator confirmed that a cap and a transducer had detached from their aircraft without the crew noticing.
The investigation also scrutinized the decision-making process regarding the continuation of the flight. While the crew believed the aircraft was safe to proceed due to the availability of fuel and better infrastructure at the destination, the investigation noted that the collision had caused damage to areas of the aircraft that were not immediately detectable during flight. Furthermore, the investigation highlighted that the ATC tower should have suspended runway operations until the debris was fully cleared.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the presence of debris on the runway left by a preceding aircraft.
- The aircraft sustained light damage to the left landing gear, the number one engine, and the left wing.
- The decision to continue the flight to Ezeiza carried risks, as the impact had caused damage to parts of the aircraft that were not visible to the crew during the flight.
- The ATC tower did not halt airport operations immediately upon becoming aware of the objects on the runway.