Incident Overview
On December 26, 2024, a Turkish Airlines Airbus A330-300, registration TC-JNI, operating flight TK-711 from Islamabad, Pakistan, to Istanbul, Turkey, experienced a wing tip strike while on final approach to runway 35R at Istanbul Airport. Following the strike, the crew initiated a go-around, climbed to 4,000 feet, and successfully landed on runway 34L approximately 17 minutes later.
Turkey’s Accident Investigation Board (AIB) rated the occurrence as a serious incident and has opened an investigation.
Sequence of Events
1. Approach Phase:
• The aircraft was aligned with the runway centerline on final approach to runway 35R.
• At the second fixed-distance marker, the aircraft suddenly veered right, deviating from the runway centerline.
2. Wing Tip Strike:
• During this deviation, the right-hand wing contacted the runway surface, prompting the crew to immediately initiate a go-around.
3. Go-Around and Second Landing:
• The aircraft climbed to 4,000 feet and repositioned for a second approach to runway 34L.
• A safe landing was executed without further incident.
Damage Assessment
1. Wing Tip Damage:
• The right-hand wing sustained minor structural damage from contact with the runway surface.
• Damage likely includes scraping or deformation of the winglet and potential stress to the wingtip structure.
2. Runway Condition:
• The runway surface was inspected for damage resulting from the wing strike. No significant damage to the runway was reported.
Technical Analysis
1. Flight Path Deviation:
• The sudden veer to the right during final approach may have been caused by:
• Crosswind or Gusts: Sudden lateral wind changes near touchdown.
• Control Inputs: Possible overcorrection or inappropriate response to flight conditions.
• Autopilot/Flight Control Systems: A potential malfunction or miscalculation in the auto-flight systems.
2. Pilot Response:
• The crew’s decision to execute a go-around was appropriate and likely prevented further damage.
3. Aircraft Systems:
• Data from the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) will be critical in identifying any anomalies in the aircraft’s systems or flight crew actions.
Safety Actions and Recommendations
1. Operational Measures:
• Conduct a review of wind conditions and operational guidelines for runway 35R at Istanbul during the time of the incident.
2. Pilot Training:
• Reinforce go-around procedures and crosswind landing techniques in simulator training.
3. Aircraft Inspection and Maintenance:
• Inspect and repair the right-hand wingtip to ensure structural integrity.
• Verify the functionality of the auto-flight and control systems.
4. Incident Investigation:
• Analyse FDR and CVR data to determine the precise cause of the deviation.
• Assess runway lighting and markings for potential contributing factors.
Preliminary Findings
Initial indications suggest that environmental factors (e.g., crosswinds or gusts) and/or pilot input may have contributed to the deviation from the runway centerline, resulting in the wing tip strike. The incident underscores the importance of proactive go-around decision-making to mitigate damage and ensure passenger and crew safety.
Disclaimer:
This report is based on preliminary information as of January 12, 2025. Further updates will follow as the investigation progresses. For any concerns or content issues, please contact takedown@cockpitking.com.
