TSB Canada: Pilots need more training on bounced landings
published: 09 SEP 2009
by Harro Ranter, ASN
Many flight crews do not receive training to deal effectively with bounced landings says the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB).
On July 22, 2008, at Hamilton Airport a Boeing 727 touched down hard and bounced before touching down hard a second time. Immediately after the second touchdown, the pilot decided to perform a go-around. During this manoeuvre, the tail contacted the runway. The aircraft climbed away and returned for a normal landing. There were no injuries and only minor damage to the aircraft.
In its investigation, the TSB found that while the aircraft manufacturer's manual contained guidance on what to do if the plane bounced on landing, the pilots had never practiced this manoeuvre or received training to safely control and land a plane under these circumstances.
In light of this problem, the TSB is calling for operators to train crews on this manoeuvre and make it part of their training program.
The Board is recommending that the Canadian Department of Transport require air carriers to incorporate bounced landing recovery techniques in their manuals and during their training activities. (TSB)
» TSB Report A08O0189
On July 22, 2008, at Hamilton Airport a Boeing 727 touched down hard and bounced before touching down hard a second time. Immediately after the second touchdown, the pilot decided to perform a go-around. During this manoeuvre, the tail contacted the runway. The aircraft climbed away and returned for a normal landing. There were no injuries and only minor damage to the aircraft.
In its investigation, the TSB found that while the aircraft manufacturer's manual contained guidance on what to do if the plane bounced on landing, the pilots had never practiced this manoeuvre or received training to safely control and land a plane under these circumstances.
In light of this problem, the TSB is calling for operators to train crews on this manoeuvre and make it part of their training program.
The Board is recommending that the Canadian Department of Transport require air carriers to incorporate bounced landing recovery techniques in their manuals and during their training activities. (TSB)
22 JUL 2008, 22:16 Boeing 727-227
C-GLKF - Kelowna Flightcraft Air Charter
0 / 3
Hamilton Airport, ON (YHM) (Canada)
Cargo flight, during Landing
A Kelowna Flightcraft Air Charter Ltd. Boeing 727-227 sustained minor damage during a bounced landin... (more)
Findings as to causes and contributing factors:
1. The go-around was initiated with the spoilers deployed. This resulted in added drag that precluded a safe lift-off and caused the tail and the number 2 engine to strike the ground.
2. The crew had not received any training for a bounced landing or a go-around after touchdown and therefore did not retract the spoilers.
Findings as to risk:
1. The bounced landing recovery and go-around procedures do not direct crews to stow the spoilers. In the event of a go-around after touchdown, crews may leave the speedbrake lever in the extended position, increasing the risk of the aircraft not being able to meet the required climb gradient.
2. Cockpit voice recorder (CVR) information regarding this incident was overwritten. The lack of CVR data hampered investigators' ability to obtain a timely and complete understanding of the event.
