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Old 21st Jul 2007, 09:40
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UNCTUOUS
 
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A Logical Explanation?

Risking Rainboe's toxic wrath, it would appear that the consolidated wisdom would be that there is:
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A logical Explanation for the TAM A320 Accident's Observed Runway Events at Congonhas
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To be crystal clear, we'll start off with the conclusion (that's based upon the histories and observations at the links accessible from within the link provided below):
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a. It would appear that TAM Flt JJ3054 did land a little far in and a little hot.
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b. Once established with the left-hand engine in reverse and spoilers deployed, it then became apparent to the handling pilot that a (typical Ibiza style) A320 wheel-braking failure had occurred (i.e. the never totally resolved BSCU failure mode).
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c. Both recognizing and resolving this situation can be a very runway- (and time-) consuming affair (see link to 03 Aug 2003 accident to A320 regn C-FTDF at http://www.aaib.gov.uk/cms_resources/C-FTDF.pdf ), so the captain, being very much (and understandably) aware of the lethal lack of an overrun, decided to apply power and go-round.
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d. The A320 Thrust reverser can take up to 5 secs to re-stow, so the application of TOGA power caused a predictable compressor surge on the LH engine well after the RH engine had gained full power, thus causing the first flash seen on the video and the divergence (due to the thrust asymmetry) well left of the centerline.
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e. Thus it's probably not a lot to do with the lack of runway grooving, but is possibly directly related to the runway length and abysmal lack of a usable RESA (Runway End Safety Area).... and the resulting pilot apprehension.
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background supporting detail is at this link
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