Accretion of dense clumps in the periastron passage of η Carinae

► The secondary star accretes mass from the dense primary wind close to periastron passage. ► In this study we limit ourselves to explore the role of clumps in the primary wind in triggering the accretion process. ► The dense clumps are formed by instabilities in the thin dense shell formed by the shocked primary wind gas. ► The accretion starts about a week before periastron passage, as is required to explain the several weeks long X-ray minimum.