Narrative:
The left main landing gear (MLG) began a violent shimmy (yaw oscillation) when the wheelbrakes were applied after a normal landing touchdown, probably damaging the MLG lower torsion link. The shimmying stopped when braking was reduced but restarted when braking was increased, causing the torsion link to fracture. Further higher amplitude shimmying of the left MLG ensued, resulting in severe MLG tyre, wheel and brake damage and substantial oscillatory loads on the aircraft structure. Steering difficulties were experienced during both shimmying episodes.
It was likely that the shimmying resulted from excessive wear of the torsion link apex joint that reduced the effectiveness of the shimmy damper. Maintenance records indicated that the MLG had been maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, but it was considered that relevant Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) procedures could be difficult to
follow.
Boeing 737 main gear torsion links
accident date: 21-02-2004
type: Boeing 737-59D
registration: G-BVKC
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Saturday 21 February 2004 |
| Time: | 23:00 |
| Type: |  Boeing 737-59D |
| Operator: | bmibaby |
| Registration: | G-BVKC |
| MSN: | 24695/1872 |
| First flight: | 1990-06-01 (13 years 9 months) |
| Total airframe hrs: | 31210 |
| Cycles: | 33633 |
| Engines: | 2 CFMI CFM56-3C1 |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 6 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 114 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 120 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Aircraft fate: | Repaired |
| Location: | Cardiff-Wales Airport (CWL) ( United Kingdom)
|
| Phase: | Landing (LDG) |
| Nature: | International Scheduled Passenger |
| Departure airport: | Málaga Airport (AGP/LEMG), Spain |
| Cardiff-Wales Airport (CWL/EGFF), United Kingdom |
The left main landing gear (MLG) began a violent shimmy (yaw oscillation) when the wheelbrakes were applied after a normal landing touchdown, probably damaging the MLG lower torsion link. The shimmying stopped when braking was reduced but restarted when braking was increased, causing the torsion link to fracture. Further higher amplitude shimmying of the left MLG ensued, resulting in severe MLG tyre, wheel and brake damage and substantial oscillatory loads on the aircraft structure. Steering difficulties were experienced during both shimmying episodes.
It was likely that the shimmying resulted from excessive wear of the torsion link apex joint that reduced the effectiveness of the shimmy damper. Maintenance records indicated that the MLG had been maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, but it was considered that relevant Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) procedures could be difficult to
follow.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Classification:
Runway mishap
Sources:
» AAIB Bulletin 4/2005Follow-up / safety actions
AAIB issued 1 Safety Recommendation
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Photos
Boeing 737 main gear torsion links
accident date: 21-02-2004
type: Boeing 737-59D
registration: G-BVKC
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Málaga Airport to Cardiff-Wales Airport as the crow flies is 1629 km (1018 miles).
Distance from Málaga Airport to Cardiff-Wales Airport as the crow flies is 1629 km (1018 miles).
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
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