Date: 9th April 2023
Location: Dublin Airport, Ireland
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800, registration EI-DHH
Operator: Ryanair
Flight Number: FR-5542
Route: Liverpool, UK, to Dublin, Ireland
Passengers and Crew: 172 passengers and 6 crew
Summary of Events
On 9th April 2023, Ryanair Flight FR-5542, a Boeing 737-800, encountered multiple challenges during its landing at Dublin Airport. The aircraft landed on Runway 28L with a crab angle in challenging wind conditions, resulting in damage to the nose gear. Shortly after touchdown, the aircraft veered off the runway to the left before returning to the centreline. While attempting to vacate the runway via high-speed exit S5, the aircraft came to a stop within the runway strip.
Emergency services responded promptly, and passengers disembarked without further incident. An investigation by Ireland’s Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) revealed several contributing factors, including improper use of the nosewheel tiller during landing, adverse wind conditions, and procedural challenges during the landing sequence.
Aircraft and Crew Information
Aircraft
The Boeing 737-800 is a widely used narrow-body aircraft designed for short- to medium-haul flights. The incident aircraft, registration EI-DHH, was equipped with standard safety features, including autothrottle, autopilot, and automated speedbrake deployment.
Crew
The flight was operated by a captain acting as Pilot Monitoring (PM) and a first officer as Pilot Flying (PF). The captain assumed control during the landing sequence when difficulties arose.
Sequence of Events
1. Approach:
• The aircraft approached Dublin’s Runway 28L with a reported quartering tailwind of 10 knots, gusting up to 17 knots. The tailwind component marginally exceeded the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) limitation of 10 knots.
• The PF disengaged the autopilot and autothrottle at approximately 600 feet above ground level (AGL).
2. Landing Sequence:
• The aircraft touched down with a slight crab angle to the left and began drifting toward the left edge of the runway.
• Upon touchdown, the speedbrake system deployed, contributing to a nose-up pitch.
3. Runway Excursion:
• The captain assumed control, attempting to return the aircraft to the runway centreline using rudder and aileron inputs.
• The nose gear contacted the runway while the aircraft continued to drift left, temporarily leaving the runway surface.
4. Runway Exit Attempt:
• The crew attempted to vacate the runway via high-speed exit S5 but stopped within the runway strip due to significant damage to the nose gear.
5. Emergency Response:
• Emergency services responded, confirming no fire or smoke. The passengers disembarked safely, and subsequent arrivals were instructed to go around.
Investigation Findings
Causes of the Incident
1. Nosewheel Tiller Misuse:
• The captain used the nosewheel tiller to steer the aircraft at speeds exceeding those recommended by the aircraft manufacturer, causing excessive strain on the nose gear assembly.
2. Landing with Crab Angle:
• The aircraft landed with a crab angle of 3° to the left, contributing to lateral forces on the nose gear.
3. Adverse Wind Conditions:
• The quartering tailwind increased the aircraft’s groundspeed, complicating directional control during the landing roll.
4. Tracking Towards Runway Edge:
• Following touchdown, the aircraft continued to drift toward the left edge of the runway before corrective action was taken.
Safety Risks and Potential Outcomes
• Runway Excursion:
Without prompt corrective action, the runway excursion could have led to significant structural damage or collision with runway infrastructure.
• Nose Gear Collapse:
The misuse of the tiller at high speeds placed undue stress on the nose gear, increasing the risk of collapse.
• Passenger Safety:
Abrupt directional changes during landing posed risks to passenger safety and comfort.
Recommendations
1. Flight Crew Training:
• Reinforce training on proper use of the nosewheel tiller, particularly regarding speed limitations during landing rolls.
2. Adherence to Wind Limitations:
• Ensure strict adherence to AFM wind limitations, including tailwind and crosswind components.
3. Enhanced Procedures for Crab Landings:
• Provide additional guidance for handling crab angles during challenging wind conditions to minimize lateral forces on the landing gear.
4. Improved Pre-Landing Briefings:
• Emphasize wind condition management and potential deviations during pre-landing briefings.
5. Runway Surface Evaluations:
• Conduct assessments of runway surfaces and high-speed exits to ensure they can safely accommodate aircraft during abnormal operations.
Safety Lessons and Industry Impact
This incident highlights the importance of adhering to manufacturer guidelines for steering systems, managing adverse wind conditions, and maintaining situational awareness during landing. The findings are expected to influence training programs and operational guidelines, ensuring greater awareness of risks associated with tailwind landings and tiller misuse.
Disclaimer
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts we have at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
