TAP A320 thrust reverser deploys during go-around

Danish investigators have opened an inquiry into an inadvertent thrust reverser deployment during a go-around involving a TAP Air Portugal Airbus A320.

According to the French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA), the event occurred during a landing at Copenhagen on April 8.

The aircraft involved, CS-TNV (c/n 4145), is powered by two CFM International CFM56 turbofans and was delivered brand new to the airline in November 2009.

The incident occurred during a landing at Copenhagen Airport on April 8, 2022.
The incident occurred during a landing at Copenhagen Airport on April 8, 2022. Wikimedia Commons/Anna Zvereva

During the flare, the commander decided to initiate a go-around. Upon application of take-off go-around thrust (TOGA), one thrust reverser “inadvertently deployed leading to controllability problems during the go-around”.

The flight took off from Lisbon/Humberto Delgado just before 8am local time. Upon arrival in the vicinity of the Danish capital, the crew set up for an approach to runway 30.

After the go-around, a series of left turns were initiated before a successful landing on runway 22L around 20 minutes later.

The 12-year-old airframe – which is configured to seat 174 passengers – was upgraded in April 2018 when its wing fence tip design was replaced with new Sharklets.
The 12-year-old airframe – which is configured to seat 174 passengers – was upgraded in April 2018 when its wing fence tip design was replaced with new Sharklets. Flickr Commons/Anna Zvereva

Investigators are yet to confirm the nature of the “controllability problems” or why the go-around occurred.

The aircraft remained on the ground in Copenhagen until April 18 when it returned to Lisbon.

The 12-year-old airframe – which is configured to seat 174 passengers – was upgraded in April 2018 when its wing fence tip design was replaced with new Sharklets.