Emirates Pilot Attempted Go-Around Before Crash

September 7, 2016

The pilot of an Emirates Boeing 777 that crash-landed at Dubai Airport in August attempted a go-around after wind changes on final approach, according to a preliminary report from the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority.

Emirates EK521 from Thiruvananthapuram in India on August 3 was carrying 282 passengers and 18 crew on its flight to Dubai.

The right main landing gear touched down at 08:37, followed by the left gear. The nose landing gear remained in the air.

The report states that “the Aircraft became airborne in an attempt to go-around” and the “landing gear lever was selected to the UP position.

“The Aircraft reached a maximum height of approximately 85 feet RA (radio altitude) at 134 knots IAS (indicated air speed), with the landing gear in transit to the retracted position. The Aircraft then began to sink back onto the runway.”

The 777 hit the runway a few seconds later as the engines were starting to respond to increased thrust.

Passengers and crew evacuated the aircraft with some minor injuries. One firefighter was killed when a fuel tank exploded.

A final report will be issued after further investigation is completed.

(Airwise)