ASL B734 at Belfast on Oct 4th 2016, partial main gear failure and burst main tyres on landing

Last Update: November 10, 2017 / 16:24:22 GMT/Zulu time

Bookmark this article
Incident Facts

Date of incident
Oct 4, 2016

Classification
Incident

Flight number
3V-834V

Aircraft Registration
OE-IAG

Aircraft Type
Boeing 737-400

ICAO Type Designator
B734

Airport ICAO Code
EGAA

An ASL Airlines Boeing 737-400 freighter in TNT Express Colours, registration OE-IAG performing flight 3V-834V from East Midlands,EN to Belfast International,NI (UK) with 2 crew, landed on Belfast's runway 25 at 05:55L (04:55Z) but burst a number of tyres. The aircraft came to a stop on the intersections of runway 07/25 and 17/35 about 2150 meters/7070 feet down runway 25 effectively closing both runways.

The United Kingdom's AAIB dispatched a go team to Belfast International to open an investigation into the occurrence.

At about 09:00L part of the runway 07/25 was returned to service at shortened landing distance (runway 25 only) and at shortened takeoff distance (runway 07 only).

The airport reported they expect flight disruptions throughout the day as result of the occurrence, when the freight aircraft came in, burst a number of tyres and came to a stop disabled on the intersection of both runways.

On Oct 18th 2016 the NTSB reported the aircraft suffered a partial right main gear failure during the landing roll. The occurrence was rated an accident and is being investigated by the AAIB.

On Oct 20th 2016 the AAIB reported the right hand main gear suffered a torque link failure. A field investigation is ongoing.

On Nov 10th 2017 the AAIB released their bulletin releasing following analysis:

The physical and recorded evidence indicate that the fracture to the lower torsion link on the right MLG leg was most likely caused by shimmy. This and previous occurrences show that the Boeing 737 MLG is susceptible to shimmy, particularly at higher landing speeds and for softer landings.

The manufacturer has a mature and well-documented list of probable causal factors for shimmy on this aircraft type. There was no evidence of a pre-existing defect in the failed torsion link or the apex joint which would have caused the shimmy. It was not possible to assess the condition of the shimmy damper or determine if there was any freeplay in the joints associated with the torsion links. Accordingly it is possible that there was a failure of the damper or excessive freeplay in the joints, which combined with the high-speed landing may have induced shimmy.

Whilst there was no evidence to suggest that maintenance was a causal or contributory factor, the manufacturer is currently working with the operator to assess the maintenance requirements to ensure they are appropriate for its operations.

The AAIB reported the aircraft touched down at 148 KCAS (Vref+7) about 250 meters past the runway threshold at 600fpm rate of descent and 1.7 degrees left bank, a vertical acceleration of 1.65G was recorded. The speed brakes deployed, the thrust reversers were deployed and reached their fully deployed position about 530 meters past the runway threshold. About 690 meters past the runway threshold the air/ground switch changed to air erroneously, oscillations in lateral acceleration occurred. About 950 meters past the runway threshold brakes were applied, temporarily released while the thrust reversers were stowed and the aircraft came to a stop about 2175 meters past the runway threshold off the runway center line.

Related NOTAMs:
A3632/16 - DUE TO DISABLED AIRCRAFT RUNWAY 25 AVAILABLE FOR LANDINGS ONLY LDA 1852M. 04 OCT 10:51 2016 UNTIL 04 OCT 15:00 2016. CREATED: 04 OCT 10:58 2016

A3631/16 - DUE TO DISABLED AIRCRAFT RUNWAY 07 AVAILABLE FOR TAKE OFF ONLY TORA 1852M, TODA 2145M. 04 OCT 10:46 2016 UNTIL 04 OCT 15:00 2016. CREATED: 04 OCT 10:56 2016

A3628/16 - RWY 25 ILS OUT OF SERVICE. 04 OCT 08:45 2016 UNTIL 04 OCT 17:00 2016. CREATED: 04 OCT 08:47 2016

Metars:
EGAA 040650Z 11007KT 9999 FEW011 12/10 Q1028
EGAA 040620Z 12007KT 090V150 9999 FEW010 12/09 Q1027
EGAA 040550Z 13009KT 090V150 9999 FEW010 12/09 Q1027
EGAA 040450Z 13009KT CAVOK 12/09 Q1027
EGAA 040420Z 13011KT 090V150 CAVOK 12/09 Q1026
EGAA 040350Z 14011KT 9999 FEW045 12/09 Q1026
EGAA 040320Z AUTO 14013KT 9999 NCD 12/09 Q1026
EGAA 040250Z AUTO 14013KT 9999 NCD 12/09 Q1026
EGAA 040220Z AUTO 14014KT 9999 NCD 13/09 Q1026
EGAA 040150Z 13013KT 9999 FEW043 13/09 Q1026
EGAA 040120Z 13013KT 9999 FEW043 13/09 Q1026
Incident Facts

Date of incident
Oct 4, 2016

Classification
Incident

Flight number
3V-834V

Aircraft Registration
OE-IAG

Aircraft Type
Boeing 737-400

ICAO Type Designator
B734

Airport ICAO Code
EGAA

This article is published under license from Avherald.com. © of text by Avherald.com.
Article source

You can read 2 more free articles without a subscription.

Subscribe now and continue reading without any limits!

Are you a subscriber? Login
Subscribe

Read unlimited articles and receive our daily update briefing. Gain better insights into what is happening in commercial aviation safety.

Send tip

Support AeroInside by sending a small tip amount.

Related articles

Newest articles

Subscribe today

Are you researching aviation incidents? Get access to AeroInside Insights, unlimited read access and receive the daily newsletter.

Pick your plan and subscribe

Partner

Blockaviation logo

A new way to document and demonstrate airworthiness compliance and aircraft value. Find out more.

ELITE Logo

ELITE Simulation Solutions is a leading global provider of Flight Simulation Training Devices, IFR training software as well as flight controls and related services. Find out more.

Blue Altitude Logo

Your regulation partner, specialists in aviation safety and compliance; providing training, auditing, and consultancy services. Find out more.

AeroInside Blog
Popular aircraft
Airbus A320
Boeing 737-800
Boeing 737-800 MAX
Popular airlines
American Airlines
United
Delta
Air Canada
Lufthansa
British Airways