What happened
On 12 February 2009, a Marcel Dassault/Bréguet Aviation Falcon 10/100, registration VP-BAF, was performing a landing at Samedan Airport in Switzerland. During the final approach to runway 03, the aircraft encountered rapidly changing weather conditions. As the aircraft touched down, the wing made contact with a snow wall located along the edge of the runway, which was approximately four meters high. The impact caused damage to the aircraft's wing and landing gear.
The investigation
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) examined the flight history, meteorological conditions, and cockpit equipment. Investigators reviewed the flight data, which showed the crew performing several 360-degree turns prior to the approach. The investigation also looked into the airport's winter maintenance procedures and the status of the aircraft' and airport's safety systems. Notably, the investigation found that the aircraft's Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) had been deactivated, meaning the crew did not receive acoustic altitude or attitude alerts during the final phase of the landing.
Findings
- The crew attempted to execute a landing from an unfavorable position while facing insufficient visual references.
- The crew failed to correctly assess the rapidly changing weather conditions at the mountain airport.
- There was a lack of effective crew resource management and coordinated working practices between the flight crew members.
- The deactivation of the EGPWS prevented the crew from receiving critical terrain and altitude warnings during the approach.
- A significant snow wall, reaching heights of up to four meters, was present along the runway margin.