Overview
On December 22nd, 2024, an Emerald Airlines UK ATR-72-212A, registration G-CMMK, operating as a positioning flight EA-71P from Edinburgh (Scotland) to Belfast City Airport (Northern Ireland), suffered a hard landing on runway 04, leading to the collapse of the nose gear. The aircraft came to rest on the right-hand edge of the runway.
• Aircraft Details: ATR-72-212A
• Flight Crew: 4
• Passengers: None (positioning flight)
• Injuries: None reported
• Aircraft Damage: Substantial
• Weather Conditions: Adverse
Sequence of Events
1. Approach and Landing
• The aircraft was conducting a positioning flight to Belfast City Airport.
• During the final approach, the crew encountered adverse weather conditions with strong winds and reduced visibility.
• The touchdown was hard, with the aircraft’s nose gear making first contact with the runway surface.
2. Nose Gear Collapse
• The hard impact caused the nose gear to collapse during the landing roll.
• The aircraft veered to the right-hand edge of the runway and came to a stop.
3. Emergency Response
• Emergency services were dispatched immediately.
• The 4 crew members onboard safely exited the aircraft, and no injuries were reported.
4. Operational Impact
• The runway was closed for the remainder of the day, causing disruptions to flight operations at Belfast City Airport.
Investigation
Preliminary Findings
1. Aircraft Damage
• Substantial damage was identified in the nose gear assembly and forward fuselage due to the collapse.
• There were potential structural stresses in the undercarriage mountings.
2. Weather Conditions
• Adverse weather, including gusting winds, likely contributed to the difficulty in executing a smooth landing.
3. Landing Technique
• Initial analysis suggests that the aircraft may have been in a steeper descent angle than recommended, causing excessive force on the nose gear upon touchdown.
4. Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)
• The AAIB is analysing the FDR and CVR to understand the landing dynamics, crew communication, and decision-making process during the approach.
Safety and Operational Recommendations
1. Weather Assessment and Crew Training
• Improve procedures for go-around decisions in challenging weather conditions.
• Reinforce training for adverse weather landings, with emphasis on managing descent rates and touchdown techniques.
2. Aircraft Inspections
• Conduct comprehensive checks on the fuselage, nose gear, and landing gear assemblies for stress and deformation.
3. Runway Operations
• Review runway maintenance procedures to ensure surfaces can handle heavy landings without exacerbating damage.
Conclusion
This accident highlights the risks of operating in adverse weather conditions and underscores the importance of proper approach and landing techniques. Investigators will focus on determining whether procedural, technical, or environmental factors contributed to the hard landing and subsequent nose gear collapse.
Disclaimer
This report is based on the evidence and information available as of January 7th, 2025. For image takedowns, please contact takedown@cockpitking.com. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
