Cites Wake Turbulence In Loss Of Control Accident

An accident involving a Diamond DA62 on approach to Dubai International Airport on May 16 may have been caused by wake turbulence, according to a report from the United Arab Emirates General Civil Aviation Authority. The plane went down about 2.6 nautical miles south of the airport, and the four people on board the DA62 were fatally injured in the accident.

Arabian Business reports that, according to the report, the airplane was following a Thai Airways A350-900 at a distance of 3.7 nautical miles. The aircraft, operated by a third party hired by Honeywell, was conducting airport ground lighting calibration checks following the refurbishment of Runway 30L, which is south of Runway 30R. The checks involved a number of approaches and low passes over the runway.

The accident occurred just before 7:30 p.m. local time on the 10th approach. The A350 was flying an approach to Runway 30R. The report indicates that the DA62 "rolled slightly" but recovered, but then "abruptly rolled to the left until it became inverted and it then entered a steep drive."

According to the report, "Observations of previous approaches during the same calibration flight indicated that the DA62 consistently followed preceding traffic on approach to the parallel runway 30R at distances which were below the specified minimum separation, and less than the distances discussed during the pre-departure meeting.

“The radar monitor recording indicated that there was an air traffic control (ATC) inconsistency in advising the DA62 of the expected occurrence of hazards caused by wake turbulence from traffic on approach to the parallel runway 30R.

“Based on these observations, the Investigation believes that there is sufficient reason to issue a prompt safety recommendation to re-emphasise to pilots and air traffic controllers the importance of maintaining a minimum safe distance and issuing essential traffic information such as advising aircraft of the expected occurrence of hazards caused by wake turbulence.”

The four occupants of the DA62 were identified as three British citizens and a South African.

Flight Calibration Services is referring all of its pilots to a Eurocontrol document "European Wake Turbulence Categorisation and Separation Minima on Approach and Departure" to raise their awareness of minimum separation criteria, and reviewing its calibration processes and procedures

A training course on wake turbulence during takeoffs and landings, as well as practical upset recovery training is also in development, according to the report.

(Image from file. Not accident airplane)

FMI: Source report