US investigators are probing an occurrence at Nashville in which an Air Canada Rouge Airbus A319 touched down short of the runway.
The National Transportation Safety Board states that the incident took place on 14 August while the aircraft was on approach to runway 20L.
Air Canada Rouge flight AC1717 from Toronto had been cleared to land, with the tower advising of winds from 010° at 17kt.
This would indicate a tailwind for runway 20L.
While meteorological data for Nashville issued about 30min before the occurrence had indicated winds from the south, air traffic communications archived by LiveATC suggest adverse weather in the vicinity as the A319 neared the airport.
These communications with various flights refer to gusting winds, low-level windshear, and reduced visibility.
The crew of a preceding American Airlines Airbus A321 had broken off its approach, citing the tailwind conditions.
After the Rouge A319 arrived, the tower controller queried a remark from its crew about the landing, and was subsequently told that the aircraft had touched down “short”.
No confirmation has been given regarding distances involved or whether the aircraft – provisionally identified as C-GSJB – sustained any damage. But the NTSB has confirmed that it is investigating the event.
