Incident Overview
On 13 July 2000, at 14:55 local time, a serious incident occurred at Zurich-Kloten Airport involving an AVRO 146-RJ 100 aircraft, registration HB-IYX, operated by Crossair as flight SWR 3513. The flight had originated from Düsseldorf and was a scheduled passenger service. The aircraft carried 7 crew members and 32 passengers. No injuries were reported.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft was cleared for an ILS approach to runway 14. The first officer was the flying pilot for the approach. After landing, the commander assumed control of the aircraft once the nosewheel had touched down. Immediately thereafter, the aircraft veered to the right. Despite all efforts by the crew, directional control could not be regained. At a speed of approximately 80 knots, the aircraft left runway 14 and came to a stop on the grass about 250 meters beyond the point of departure and approximately 20 meters to the right of the runway edge, parallel to the runway axis. The crew then shut down the engines and evacuated the passengers via the forward passenger door using the integrated stairs.
Damage
The aircraft sustained a burst tire on the left main landing gear, minor damage to the landing gear doors, and earth deposits on the landing gear and engines. Additionally, one runway light was destroyed, and turf damage occurred.
Investigation
The Swiss Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) opened an investigation on the day of the incident, in cooperation with the Zurich Cantonal Police and the airport authority. The investigation included analysis from the aircraft manufacturer and the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).
Cause
The serious incident is attributable to the fact that the aircraft’s nosewheel gear was not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. Subsequently, in the roll-out phase, the aircraft veered to the right and exited the runway. The reason for this could not be established either by the manufacturer, the UK AAIB, or the Swiss AAIB.