United Airlines Boeing 767-300ER Incident: NTSB Preliminary Report Reveals Runway Impact
In a recent development, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States has unveiled a preliminary report shedding light on an aviation incident involving a United Airlines Boeing 767. The aircraft’s fuselage suffered substantial damage upon landing, marking a concerning episode for the aviation industry.
On July 29, 2023, a United Airlines Boeing 767-300ER, registered as N641UA, was in the process of landing at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The aircraft, operating as flight UA702, had undertaken its journey from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
According to the NTSB’s findings, the first officer was serving as the pilot flying (PF), while the captain assumed the role of the pilot monitoring (PM). The flight’s departure and cruising phases were uneventful, culminating in the aircraft’s arrival at IAH around 10:34 am. The local air traffic control granted clearance for landing via the DOOBI2 arrival and Instrument Landing System (ILS) runway 26L approach.
Both pilots affirmed that the aircraft’s landing configuration adhered to United Airlines’ stable approach standards, and the initial touchdown proceeded as normal. However, upon the main landing gear’s contact with the runway, the PF reported maintaining aft pressure on the control yoke to prevent the nose wheel from touching down.
Consequently, the nose wheel encountered the runway with unexpected force, leading to a bounce. In response, the PF pulled the control yoke aft to prevent a second nose wheel impact. The activation of speed brakes coincided with the auto brakes engaging, resulting in another bounce of the nose wheel. To decelerate, the first officer initiated thrust reversers (TR), and control of the aircraft was transferred to the captain.
Upon review of the flight data recorder (FDR), investigators noted that following the initial touchdown on the main wheels, the Boeing 767-300ER experienced lateral movement, causing the left and right main gear to lift off the runway. The nose wheel subsequently touched down with a gravitational force equivalent to approximately 1.4 g and rebounded.
Sequentially, the speed brakes deployed, causing the nose wheel to make a second impact with a force of around 1.6 g, followed by yet another bounce. The NTSB’s report indicated that the right thrust reverser (TR) was engaged, causing the nose wheel to hit the runway again with a force of about 1.6 g.
An examination after the incident revealed significant damage to the crown of the upper fuselage. Despite the severity of the landing, none of the 202 passengers or nine crew members on board sustained injuries.
As of the report’s publication, the Boeing 767-300ER remains stationed at IAH. The incident underscores the critical importance of thorough safety protocols within the aviation industry.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, NTSB, aerotime.aero