Narrative:
The Boeing 747-48EF cargo plane was on approach to runway 25L at Frankfurt International Airport, Germany. In the area of the outer marker to runway 25L at a height of 1400 ft AMSL the landing flaps were moved to the 30° position. The approach speed at this time was 160 kt (IAS). Shortly after actuating the flap lever, the crew heard an impact sound and noticed vibrations. The plane rolled about 1° to the left. The autopilot levelled out the incline and the aircraft continued its approach. The landing was without further problems on runway 25L. The aircraft then rolled to the parking position.
It appeared a part of the left wing flap (Inboard Fore Flap) with dimensions of about 4.5 x 1 m was missing. The fracture was about half a metre to the left of the inner flap attachment. The remaining flap piece was twisted around the inner attachment point and was jammed between the attachment and the fuselage. Two connecting rods between of the front and middle landing flaps were broken or torn out.
The outer fuselage skin of the aircraft was penetrated in the area between the fairing outlet and the rear cargo door over a length of 3.5 m. In this area, the ribs showed heavy damage.
The missing flap part was located in a forest on December 12, 2009.
Conclusions: "The flap fitting was destroyed by a pronounced vibration fracture, which probably originated in a corrosion cavity ."
Normal landing
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Friday 8 May 2009 |
| Time: | 21:59 |
| Type: |  Boeing 747-48EF |
| Operator: | Asiana Airlines |
| Registration: | HL7419 |
| MSN: | 25781/1044 |
| First flight: | 1994-10-13 (14 years 7 months) |
| Total airframe hrs: | 72700 |
| Cycles: | 12296 |
| Engines: | 4 General Electric CF6-80C2B1F |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 3 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 3 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Aircraft fate: | Repaired |
| Location: | near Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) ( Germany)
|
| Phase: | Approach (APR) |
| Nature: | Cargo |
| Departure airport: | Wien-Schwechat International Airport (VIE/LOWW), Austria |
| Frankfurt International Airport (FRA/EDDF), Germany |
The Boeing 747-48EF cargo plane was on approach to runway 25L at Frankfurt International Airport, Germany. In the area of the outer marker to runway 25L at a height of 1400 ft AMSL the landing flaps were moved to the 30° position. The approach speed at this time was 160 kt (IAS). Shortly after actuating the flap lever, the crew heard an impact sound and noticed vibrations. The plane rolled about 1° to the left. The autopilot levelled out the incline and the aircraft continued its approach. The landing was without further problems on runway 25L. The aircraft then rolled to the parking position.
It appeared a part of the left wing flap (Inboard Fore Flap) with dimensions of about 4.5 x 1 m was missing. The fracture was about half a metre to the left of the inner flap attachment. The remaining flap piece was twisted around the inner attachment point and was jammed between the attachment and the fuselage. Two connecting rods between of the front and middle landing flaps were broken or torn out.
The outer fuselage skin of the aircraft was penetrated in the area between the fairing outlet and the rear cargo door over a length of 3.5 m. In this area, the ribs showed heavy damage.
The missing flap part was located in a forest on December 12, 2009.
Probable Cause:
Conclusions: "The flap fitting was destroyed by a pronounced vibration fracture, which probably originated in a corrosion cavity ."
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Classification:
Issue with flap(s)Normal landing
Follow-up / safety actions
BFU issued 2 Safety Recommendations
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Photos
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 Wien-Schwechat International Airport to Frankfurt International Airport as the crow flies is 618 km (386 miles).
Distance from Wien-Schwechat International Airport to Frankfurt International Airport as the crow flies is 618 km (386 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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