A TUI holiday jet from Corfu experienced a “catastrophic failure” of its nosewheel bearing, resulting in the aircraft leaving the runway at Leeds Bradford Airport on October 20, 2023.
The incident occurred during Storm Babet, which brought windy conditions to the area as the plane attempted to land.
According to a report from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), the aircraft touched down safely but began to veer left off the runway shortly after landing.
The pilot attempted to correct the plane’s trajectory but was met with an unexpected “significant judder” from the nose gear, making it difficult to regain control.
Despite further efforts to stabilize the aircraft, it continued to drift off course and eventually came to a stop in muddy ground adjacent to the runway.
Fortunately, none of the six crew members or 195 passengers on board reported any injuries during the incident.
Emergency services were quickly dispatched to the scene, where they assisted in evacuating passengers safely from the aircraft.
Following the incident, Leeds Bradford Airport temporarily closed to facilitate emergency operations, reopening the next day once the situation was under control.
The AAIB’s investigation revealed that the failure of the nosewheel bearing likely occurred during the plane’s rollout on the runway.
The unexpected juddering from the nose gear confused the crew, leading to uncertainty about how to respond effectively.
The report stated that there was “no mechanical impediment” preventing the crew from using additional rudder and braking to maintain control of the aircraft.
However, it suggested that the nosewheel’s unusual behavior may have influenced their decision-making during the critical moments after touchdown.
In response to the incident, TUI issued an apology to all passengers affected by the runway closure and the resulting delays.
The travel firm emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and comfort, stating that it is reviewing the incident in collaboration with the relevant authorities.
The investigation highlights the challenges pilots face during adverse weather conditions, particularly when mechanical issues arise unexpectedly.
Storm Babet’s winds presented additional difficulties for the flight crew, underscoring the need for robust protocols and training to manage such scenarios effectively.
As the aviation community awaits the final report from the AAIB, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and thorough inspections of aircraft components.
Ensuring the reliability of critical systems, such as landing gear, is paramount to maintaining safety in commercial aviation.
This incident, while alarming, concluded without physical harm to passengers or crew, thanks in large part to the prompt response of emergency services and the professionalism of the flight crew.
Nonetheless, it raises pertinent questions about operational safety and the need for continuous improvement within the aviation industry to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
