Incident Overview

Date: Monday 9 September 2002
Aircraft Type: Boeing 757-251
Owner/operator: Northwest Airlines
Registration Number: N534US
Location: Baltimore/Washington International Airport, MD (BWI/KBWI) – ÿ United States of America
Phase of Flight: Unknown
Status: Substantial
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 103
Component Affected: Speed brakes, landing gear, rear pressure bulkhead, and aircraft control systems.Speed brakes, landing gear, rear pressure bulkhead, and aircraft control systems.
Investigating Agency: NTSBNTSB
Category: Accident
A Boeing 757 aircraft experienced a critical incident during a right-downwind landing on runway 33L, resulting in damage to the rear pressure bulkhead and a nose-high pitch attitude. The captain initiated a side-step maneuver, despite being aligned with the runway, and subsequently failed to follow established company procedures regarding stabilized approach and speed brake usage. This resulted in a collision with the runway.A Boeing 757 aircraft experienced a critical incident during a right-downwind landing on runway 33L, resulting in damage to the rear pressure bulkhead and a nose-high pitch attitude. The captain initiated a side-step maneuver, despite being aligned with the runway, and subsequently failed to follow established company procedures regarding stabilized approach and speed brake usage. This resulted in a collision with the runway.

Description

The Boeing 757 was on a right downwind for runway 33L, with the captain as the flying pilot. The airplane was aligned with runway 33R, and the flight crew was informed by the control tower. The first officer suggested a go-around. However, the captain had runway 33L in sight and initiated a side-step maneuver when the airplane was about 500 feet AGL. The airplane was aligned with runway 33L about 4 seconds prior to touchdown, as the airplane passed through 50 feet AGL. The first officer thought the airplane was low and again suggested a go-around. However, the captain continued with the landing. When the pilot closed the throttles, the airplane struck the runway in a nose high pitch attitude, and damaged the rear pressure bulkhead. Both pilots reported that they were unaware that the speed brakes, which had been extended when the airplane left 5,000 feet on approach, were still extended at touchdown. Company procedures required the pilot’s hand to remain on the speed brake lever while they were extended, and stabilized approach criteria required the airplane to be aligned with the intended runway of landing by 500 feet above the touchdown zone elevation. The captain reported that he planned on a reserve fuel of 7,200 pounds, but it was reduced to 5,800 pounds by delays, and altitude and airspeed restrictions. He estimated a go-around would take 2,000 pound, but upon further questioning admitted that number was consistent with a go-around in a Boeing 747, his previous assignment, and the Boeing 757 would burn less fuel. The captain had accumulated 142 hours in the Boeing 757. Probable Cause: The captain’s failure to follow existing company procedures for stabilized approach, and use of speed brakes.

Primary Cause

Failure to adhere to established company procedures for stabilized approach and speed brake usage, specifically the extended speed brakes during the landing phase, leading to a deviation from the intended landing trajectory and subsequent collision.Failure to adhere to established company procedures for stabilized approach and speed brake usage, specifically the extended speed brakes during the landing phase, leading to a deviation from the intended landing trajectory and subsequent collision.

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