Description

On 12 September 2003, a Saab 340B being operated by UK regional airline Loganair on a scheduled passenger flight from Aberdeen to Kirkwall experienced a loss of pitch control during landing at destination and the rear fuselage contacted the runway causing damage to the airframe. Once the aircraft had cleared the runway, some passengers and some of the hold baggage was removed before the aircraft was taxied to its parking position because of a suspicion that the aircraft might have been loaded contrary to the accepted load and trim sheet.

Investigation

It was established that the First Officer had been PF and that the flight crew had detected abnormal pitch control during the approach as soon as Flaps 35° had been set with the First Officer stating that she had "run out of (nose down) trim". However, they concluded that the aircraft was still controllable and in particular noted that elevator control was still available. After establishing the aircraft on the final approach at about 700 feet aal the flight crew discussed whether to return the flap to 20° but, having satisfied themselves that the aircraft was still controllable with control authority in all axes, they decided to continue the approach to land.