UK inquiry finds nose-down input preceded hard landing by ASL ATR 72 freighter

UK air accident investigators have found that a nose-down elevator command was applied before an ATR 72-500 freighter struck the runway hard on its nose gear at East Midlands airport. The aircraft, operated by ASL Airlines on a cargo flight from Guernsey on 14 November last year, had flown a stable approach in turbulent weather, according to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

The first officer called 10ft shortly before touchdown and the captain pulled the power levers to idle. The turboprop then floated briefly in ground effect for roughly three seconds. Flight-data recorder data showed a nose-down elevator input followed, and the aircraft's pitch shifted from near level to about 4.4 degrees nose-down within two seconds.

The nose wheel hit the runway with an impact slightly above 2g, and the aircraft bounced, pitching up and letting the main gear briefly make contact. Investigators said a controlled pitch-down elevator input was made before it reversed to pitch-up, and the power levers were advanced. Data recorded the captain applying nose-down input while the first officer applied pitch-up just before a second bounce, at 2.6g.

After another bounce, the aircraft settled. The inquiry said the captain appeared to have been caught out by the initial nose-down pitch and did not begin a go-around, and may still have been affected by a startle response after the first bounce. About nine seconds passed between the initial pitch-down and the final touchdown.

Both the nose gear and the right main gear were damaged and needed replacement. Neither pilot, the only people on board, was hurt.