Singapore B744 at Sydney on Nov 28th 2019, engine pod strike during go around

Last Update: November 28, 2021 / 07:08:31 GMT/Zulu time

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Photo of Singapore Airlines Cargo 9V-SFO, Boeing 747-400 — Singapore Airlines Cargo 9V-SFO, Boeing 747-400 (Photo credit: wiltshirespotter / Flickr / License: CC by-sa)

Incident Facts

Date of incident
Nov 28, 2019

Classification
Incident

Airline
Singapore Airlines Cargo

Departure
Singapore, Singapore

Destination
Sydney, Australia

Aircraft Registration
9V-SFO

Aircraft Type
Boeing 747-400

ICAO Type Designator
B744

Airport
Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport, Sydney

Airport ICAO Code
YSSY

A Singapore Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-400, registration 9V-SFO performing freight flight SQ-7292 from Singapore (Singapore) to Sydney,NS (Australia), was on final approach to Sydney's runway 34L when the aircraft went around from very low height. The #1 engine pod (PW4056, outboard left hand) struck the ground during the go around. The aircraft climbed out to safety at 3000 feet, positioned for another approach and landed safely on Sydney's runway 34L about 16 minutes later.

The ATSB reported on Dec 3rd 2019 that a short investigation was opened into the occurrence rated a serious incident. The ATSB stated: "During the missed approach procedure, the no. 1 engine pod struck the ground."

On Nov 26th 2021 the ATSB reported that the investigation has been discontinued without a final report. The ATSB annotated:

The flight crew were conducting an approach to runway 34L at night. The automatic terminal information service (ATIS) stated the wind was 040° at 15 kt (crosswind of 12 kt), and the latest weather observation reported the wind as 040° at 22 kt with gusts up to 32 kt. The flight crew stated they briefed for the threat of strong, gusty crosswinds. The captain was the pilot handling for the landing.

During the approach, the flight crew recalled experiencing moderate turbulence and undershoot shear below 300 ft. When passing 200 ft, the airspeed rapidly trended below the minimum approach speed, the first officer called ‘speed’ and the captain recovered the target speed.

As the aircraft entered the flare it drifted right of centreline, followed by a sudden uncommanded roll to the left. In response, the flight crew initiated a rejected landing manoeuvre, during which the number 1 engine pod struck the ground. After a second approach, the aircraft landed without further incident.

...

Analysis of recorded data indicated that the aircraft was responding correctly to flight control inputs made by the pilot flying and that the inputs were appropriate for the environmental conditions. Research and analysis undertaken by the ATSB demonstrated that wake turbulence was not a factor.

Prior to the occurrence no windshear was forecast, broadcast by air traffic controllers, or detected by aircraft or ground systems. However, during the approach, the aircraft was affected by moderate undershoot shear and wind gusts during the landing. About 4 minutes after the occurrence, a Boeing 737 landed on runway 34R. That flight crew advised air traffic controllers they lost about 15 kt of airspeed during the flare due to moderate undershoot shear. Controllers subsequently broadcast to all aircraft there was moderate undershoot shear on runway 34R.

Following the incident, Singapore Airlines made minor procedural changes and enhanced its simulator training program by requiring demonstrated competency in all crosswind landing techniques.

...

Based on a review of the available evidence, the ATSB considered it was unlikely that further investigation would identify any new systemic safety issues or important safety lessons. Consequently, the ATSB has discontinued this investigation.

Metars:
YSSY 281100Z 03011KT 9999 FEW018 BKN022 22/16 Q1017 NOSIG=
YSSY 281030Z 03014KT 9999 SCT018 BKN021 22/17 Q1016 NOSIG=
YSSY 281000Z 04012KT 9999 BKN018 23/17 Q1016 NOSIG=
YSSY 280930Z 04012KT 9999 BKN020 22/17 Q1016 FM0930 04015KT 8000 FU BKN018=
YSSY 280900Z 05015KT 9999 BKN019 22/17 Q1015 FM0900 04015KT 8000 FU BKN018=
YSSY 280830Z 04016G26KT 9999 SCT018 22/17 Q1015=
YSSY 280830Z 04016G26KT 9999 SCT018 22/17 Q1015 FM0830 04022G32KT 8000 FU BKN018=
YSSY 280800Z 05021KT 9999 SCT018 23/17 Q1015 FM0830 04022G32KT 5000 FU BKN018=
YSSY 280730Z 05022G32KT 9999 FEW018 SCT025 23/17 Q1014 FM0800 04022G32KT 5000 FU NSC=
YSSY 280730Z 05022G32KT 9999 FEW018 SCT025 23/17 Q1014=
YSSY 280700Z 06020KT 9999 FEW020 24/17 Q1013 FM0730 04020G30KT 5000 FU NSC=
YSSY 280630Z 05023KT 9999 FEW025 24/16 Q1013 FM0700 04020G30KT 5000 FU NSC=
YSSY 280600Z 05020KT 9999 FEW030 25/17 Q1013 FM0700 04020G30KT 5000 FU NSC=