F27, vicinity Guernsey Channel Islands, 1999
F27, vicinity Guernsey Channel Islands, 1999
Summary
On 12 January 1999, control of a Fokker F27-600 was lost on approach to Guernsey Airport, Channel Islands, as a consequence of the aircraft being operated outside the load and balance limitations.
Event Details
When
12/01/1999
Day/Night
Day
Flight Conditions
On Ground - Normal Visibility
Flight Details
Aircraft
Operator
Type of Flight
Public Transport (Cargo)
Flight Origin
Intended Destination
Take-off Commenced
Yes
Flight Airborne
Yes
Flight Completed
No
Phase of Flight
Descent
Location
Location - Airport
Airport
General
Tag(s)
Inadequate Aircraft Operator Procedures
FIRE
Tag(s)
Post Crash Fire
HF
Tag(s)
Flight Crew / Ground Crew Co-operation,
Data use error,
Inappropriate crew response - skills deficiency
GND
Tag(s)
Cargo Loading
LOC
Tag(s)
Aircraft Loading,
Extreme Pitch
Outcome
Damage or injury
Yes
Aircraft damage
Hull loss
Non-aircraft damage
Yes
Non-occupant Casualties
No
Occupant Injuries
None
Occupant Fatalities
Most or all occupants
Off Airport Landing
No
Ditching
No
Causal Factor Group(s)
Group(s)
Aircraft Operation
Safety Recommendation(s)
Group(s)
Aircraft Operation
Aircraft Airworthiness
Airport Management
Investigation Type
Type
Independent
Description
On 12 January 1999, control of a Fokker F27-600 was lost on approach to Guernsey Airport, Channel Islands, as a consequence of the aircraft being operated outside the load and balance limitations.
Synopsis
This is an extract from the Accident Report published by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Branch (UK) (AAIB), UK:
"The accident occurred when control of the cargo aircraft, carrying three tonnes of newspapers, was lost during the final stages of an approach to Guernsey Airport. Moments after the wing flaps were lowered to their fully down position, the nose of the aircraft rose and the crew were unable to prevent it rising further. The nose continued to rise until the aircraft's pitch attitude was near vertical. Although the crew applied nose down pitch trim and high engine power, the aircraft lost flying speed, stalled and entered an incipient spin. It descended in a shallow nose down pitch attitude with little forward speed and crashed…"
The listed the causal factors as:
- "The aircraft operated outside the load and balance limitations.
- Loading distribution errors went undetected because the load sheet signatories did not reconcile the cargo distribution in the aircraft with the load and balance sheet.
- The crew received insufficient formal training in load management."
Related Articles
LOC
GND
Further Reading
For further information see the full Accident Report: Aircraft Accident Report 2/2000 published by the AAIB (UK).
