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Old 03-02-2008, 08:54 PM   #13
Mike777
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Default Re: Lufthansa A320 nearly crashed during crosswind approach at HAM airport.

Quote:
Originally Posted by QFA388 View Post
The only thing about that landing was that the pilot waited a little too long to decide to go-around which resulted in the wing stike.
Cross-wind landings are common and with good slide-slip control, no more dangerous that a stright in approach.

Wind shear is what ya gotta worry about.


Why all the drama?
Crosswind landings are very normal, you're right. But this particular crosswind approach was far from normal, hence all the "drama".

It doesn't look to me like the pilots waited too long to commence a go-around. The approach was a little shaky, but the plane touched down just fine, slightly on the upwind side of the runway (which is what is aimed for in a crosswind). It wasn't until the mains had touched down and the engines were (presumably) at idle that a gust kicked the plane around and it became airborne again, drifting off the runway and thus requiring a go-around. The reason for a late go-around probably wasn't due to pilot indecision, but because of the time required for the engines to spool-up from idle.
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