Runway excursion involving aircraft during unstable approach

No fatalities • Kirkwall, United Kingdom • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a runway excursion following an unstable landing attempt, resulting in nose gear collapse and an evacuation with no injuries reported.

What happened

During the landing phase, the aircraft was performing an unstable approach. The initial touchdown occurred on the starboard main landing wheels, positioned to the left of the runway centerline. During this contact, the number four propeller made contact with the runway surface. The aircraft subsequently bounced, and approximately three seconds later, a second touchdown occurred on the starboard wheels, again striking the runway with the number four propeller.

Following the second impact, the commander requested full engine power. However, the co-pilot refrained from increasing power because he was aware that the aircraft had sustained damage. This decision led to the aircraft drifting to the right and exiting the paved surface. The aircraft traveled parallel to the runway across the grass until it reached an intersecting runway pavement, where the nose landing gear collapsed. The aircraft eventually stopped on water-logged grass near the right edge of runway 25. An evacuation was ordered by the commander, and all occupants exited the aircraft without injury. There was no fire at the scene, and airport emergency services responded to the site promptly.

Findings

The investigation determined that the primary factor in the accident was the commander's failure to execute an overshoot action during the early stages of the approach, despite the approach being unstable and the windscreen wiper being unserviceable.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to initiate a missed approach after the approach became unstable and the visibility/equipment issues were identified.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1979-10-25 Vickers Viscount accident near Kirkwall, United Kingdom?

An aircraft experienced a runway excursion following an unstable landing attempt, resulting in nose gear collapse and an evacuation with no injuries reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 1979-10-25 Vickers Viscount accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1979-10-25 involved a Vickers Viscount, registration G-BFYZ, operated by Guernsey Airlines, at Kirkwall, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to initiate a missed approach after the approach became unstable and the visibility/equipment issues were identified.

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