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May 18, 2006 · Mcdonnell Douglas MD-83 · N949AS

Fairbanks, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Incident
Date
May 18, 2006
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (145 uninjured)
Location
Fairbanks, AK
Aircraft
Mcdonnell Douglas MD-83
Tail Number
N949AS
Operator
Alaska Air Group
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
ANC06IA054

A McDonnell Douglas MD-83 airplane sustained minor damage to the right wingtip while landing, following an unstabilized approach. The captain reported that the first officer was initially flying a VOR approach to runway 19R, which requires a left turn to align the airplane with the runway centerline before touchdown. During the initial part of the approach, intermittent instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed, but as the approach continued, the airplane descended below the scattered cloud deck, and entered visual meteorological conditions. The captain said that the first officer asked if he could continue the VOR approach to runway 19R for proficiency purposes, and the captain agreed. As the airplane continued towards the airport, the captain noticed that the precision approach path indicator lights for runway 19L appeared to be on full bright. The captain's written statement to the NTSB stated, in part: "The first officer initially saw runway 19L while still above the MDA [minimum descent altitude] and 3 miles from the field. I pointed out runway 19R. While maneuvering to line up on the runway, we overshot." As the airplane passed over the approach end of the runway, it was to the left of the runway centerline, and the first officer applied right aileron control to correct the misalignment. The captain then gave the order to go-around, and takeoff engine power was applied, but the airplane's descent continued, and the right wing struck the runway as the main landing gear wheels contacted the runway. There were no preincident mechanical anomalies reported by the operator or flightcrew.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flightcrew's delayed go-around during an unstabilized approach to land, which resulted in dragging a wingtip on the runway during the go-around. A factor associated with the incident was the flightcrew's unstabilized approach.

Full Narrative

On May 18, 2006, about 1427 Alaska daylight time, a McDonnell Douglas MD-83 airplane, N949AS, sustained minor damage to the right wingtip while landing at the Fairbanks International Airport, Fairbanks, Alaska. The flight was being conducted under Title 14, CFR Part 121, as a scheduled domestic passenger flight, operated by Alaska Airlines, Inc., as Flight 99. There were no injuries to the two pilots, three flight attendants, or the 140 passengers aboard. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight plan had been filed for the flight from Anchorage, Alaska. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge on May 22, the captain reported that the first officer was initially flying a VOR approach to runway 19R. During the initial part of the approach, intermittent instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed, but as the approach continued, the airplane descended below the scattered cloud deck, and entered visual meteorological conditions (VMC). The captain said that the first officer asked if he could continue the VOR approach to runway 19R for proficiency proposes, and the captain agreed. He said that as the airplane continued towards the airport, he noticed that the precision approach path indicator (PAPI) lights for runway 19L appeared to be on full bright. The captain also noted that the VOR approach to runway 19R has a 30-degree offset from the runway centerline, which requires a left turn to align the airplane with the runway centerline before touchdown. According to the captain's written statement included with the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) submitted by the operator, the captain wrote, in part: "The first officer initially saw runway 19L while still above the MDA [minimum descent altitude] and 3 miles from the field. I pointed out runway 19R. While maneuvering to line up on the runway, we overshot." The captain said that as the airplane passed over the approach end of the runway, it was to the left of the runway centerline, and the first officer applied right aileron control to correct the misalignment. The captain then gave the order to go-around, and takeoff engine power was applied, but the airplane's descent continued, and the right wing struck the runway as the main landing gear wheels contacted the runway. The flight crew was initially unaware that the wing had struck the runway until a flight attendant, seated in the rear of the airplane, informed them. After the go-around, the flight crew declared an emergency, and made an uneventful landing on runway 19R. There were no preincident mechanical anomalies reported by the operator or flightcrew. The closest official weather observation station is located at the Fairbanks International Airport. On May 18, at 1353, an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) was reporting in part: Sky conditions and ceiling, 2,300 feet broken, 4,800 feet broken, 10,000 feet broken; visibility, 10 statute miles; wind, 250 degrees at 6 knots; temperature, 50 degrees F; dew point 43 degree F.

Flight

Event TypeIncident
Event Time14:27 AKDT
Nearest AirportFairbanks Intl (0nm)
Runway19R
Runway Length11800 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMcdonnell Douglas MD-83
Tail NumberN949AS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
OperatorAlaska Air Group
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · JT8D-217A · Turbofan · 20000
Seats145

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (145 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured145
Total145
Crew 1Age 44 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 48 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 43 C
Altimeter29.90 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data