Description

On 22 July 2008, a Kelowna Flightcraft Air Charter Ltd. Boeing 727-200 was operating a cargo flight from Moncton NB, to Hamilton, OT. After radar vectoring for an approach to Runway 06 at Hamilton, the aircraft touched down hard and bounced before touching down hard a second time. Immediately after the second touchdown, a go-around was initiated. During rotation, the tailskid made contact with the runway. The thrust reverser actuator fairing and the number 2 engine tailpipe made contact with the ground off the departure end of the runway. The aircraft climbed away and then returned for a normal landing on Runway 12. There were no injuries; the aircraft sustained only minor damage.

The Investigation

An Investigation was carried out by the Canadian Transportation Safety Board.

Their findings as to Causes and Contributing Factors were as follows:

(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.

Their findings as to Risk were as follows:

(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.