Originally Posted by
Captain Charles
A quick question: how many accidents has Funchal had that were totally contributed to (cross)wind?
air europe had a 757 bang the nose wheel up though the cockpit floor and I think monarch too had a prang (maybe that was GIB?)
as for catastrophes a newish type to FNC a TAP 727-200 landed long and went off the end down the cliff - very nasty - only a few survivors - runway was not extended back then.
TAP Flight 425 was a regular service from Brussels to Funchal with an en route stop at Lisbon. Weather conditions at Madeira were poor. It was raining and a 6/8 cumulus overcast at 1500 feet with a visibility of 3000m made for a challenging approach.
The first NDB approach to runway 24 was discontinued at the 'MAD' NDB because the crew hadn't established visual contact with the runway. Heavy rain showers were reported, but the flight crew reported seeing the runway lights when over the 'MAD' NDB for the second time. The aircraft touched down 2000 feet past the threshold with just 3000 feet runway length remaining. Thrust reversers were deployed and spoilers extended, but the 727 aquaplaned slightly and could not be stopped on the runway. The Boeing overran and plunged over a steep bank. It struck a stone bridge, shearing off the right wing. It then crashed almost vertically on to a beach about 130 feet below the level of the airport, bursting in flames.
The Commission of Inquiry established as a probable cause of the accident the impossibility to decelerate the aircraft and to stop in the length of the runway due to, probably, the following factors:
- Very bad weather conditions at the time of landing;
- Possible existence of conditions for hydroplaning;
- Landing at a speed of Vref + 19 knots;
- Landing long with a long "flare";
- Sudden directional correction after touchdown on the runway.
SATA (CH) super caravelle crashed into the sea turning final at night (2 captains - one checking the other for FNC which should have been done during daylight) some survivors