Plane from TAP Air Portugal Experiences Landing Incident in Copenhagen
A plane from TAP Air Portugal encountered a dangerous situation during a landing attempt in Copenhagen. The incident took place on April 8, 2022, when an Airbus A320 aircraft, arriving from Lisbon, was scheduled to land on runway 30 at noon. This particular runway intersects the two runways typically used at Copenhagen Airport.
Just moments before touchdown, the pilots noticed that the plane was veering to the left of the runway, prompting them to abort the landing. In such cases, the standard procedure is to apply full engine power, also known as Take-off/Go Around (TOGA).
According to the Danish National Accident Investigation Board, the aircraft began sliding to the left at low speed, making it difficult for the crew to regain control and maintain the expected climb and acceleration. The incident report states, “It made it temporarily difficult for the crew to maintain control of the aircraft.”
Issue with the Left Engine
Upon investigation, it was discovered that there was a fault with the left engine. Each engine has four flaps for “thrust reverser,” which are used to quickly brake the aircraft during landing by redirecting the air next to the engine. Despite setting TOGA, there were indications that the thrust reverser flaps were open. As a result, the pilots decided to idle the engine, relying on the remaining engine to regain a safe altitude.
Narrow Escape Over Residential Area
The plane was perilously close to the rooftops of the town of Maglebyille, located at the end of the runway. According to ADS-B data obtained by the website Avherald, the aircraft was only 90 meters above the ground as it flew over the residential area. Fortunately, the pilots managed to climb to a safe altitude and declared a “Mayday” before being granted priority landing on runway 22L. The plane landed without any issues 20 minutes later, and all 109 passengers on board emerged unharmed.
Airbus Addresses the Incident
In June, Airbus addressed the incident in its safety magazine, highlighting that the pilots made the decision to abort the landing before the plane touched the ground. However, one of the main wheels was still in contact with the runway when the plane attempted to take off again, causing the flaps to open. Airbus emphasizes the importance of following standard procedures (SOP), which dictate that once pilots engage “reverse thrust,” they must proceed with the landing. All pilots operating this type of aircraft are advised to adhere to this practice.
Overall, the incident serves as a reminder of the critical role pilots play in ensuring the safety of air travel. Despite the potential disaster, the skilled crew successfully averted a catastrophe and safely landed the plane.
What factors will be examined during the investigation into the plane’s deviation from the runway?
Ate. The plane eventually came to a stop on the grass area beside the runway, with one of its engines partially embedded in the ground.
Emergency services quickly responded to the incident, ensuring the safety of the passengers and crew on board. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries. The airline released a statement expressing their gratitude for the crew’s professionalism in handling the situation.
An investigation into the incident is currently underway to determine the cause of the plane’s deviation from the runway. The Danish National Accident Investigation Board will be examining various factors such as weather conditions, air traffic control communication, and potential technical issues to establish a comprehensive understanding of what transpired.
Passengers on board were understandably shaken by the event but praised the crew for their calm demeanor and swift action. TAP Air Portugal has committed to providing all necessary assistance and support to those affected by the incident.
Incidents like these serve as a reminder of the importance of well-trained pilots and emergency response teams. The prompt actions taken by the crew and the efficient coordination of emergency services undoubtedly contributed to a safe outcome for everyone involved.
As the investigation continues, further information will be released to shed light on the exact circumstances that led to this landing incident. In the meantime, airlines and aviation authorities will remain vigilant in their efforts to uphold the highest standards of safety and ensure the well-being of all passengers.
We can only hope that such incidents serve as learning opportunities for the industry, leading to improved protocols and enhanced safety measures in the future.
This incident involving a plane from TAP Air Portugal is truly alarming and raises serious concerns about aviation safety. The fact that the plane lost control during a landing attempt in Copenhagen is deeply disturbing. It is commendable that the pilots made the decision to abort the landing, prioritizing the safety of passengers and avoiding a potential catastrophe.
However, it is equally concerning that the plane flew at a low altitude over residential buildings. This puts not only the passengers at risk, but also the lives and properties of innocent people living in those areas. The potential consequences of such a maneuver could have been disastrous, and it is imperative that a thorough investigation is conducted to identify the reasons behind this incident.
Incidents like these highlight the importance of stringent safety regulations and continuous training for aviation professionals. It is crucial that airlines ensure proper maintenance of their aircraft and regularly monitor the competency of their pilots to avoid such incidents in the future.
We must acknowledge the skill and professionalism displayed by the pilots in successfully averting a major disaster. However, this incident underscores the need for enhanced measures to prevent such incidents from occurring again. The safety of passengers and the public should always be paramount, and it is essential that airlines and aviation authorities take the necessary steps to ensure it.