DC-9 Runway Excursion at Runway 36

Casualties unknown • Savannah, GA, US

A DC-9 failed to decelerate during its landing roll on runway 36, resulting in the aircraft exiting the departure end of the runway and coming to a stop in mud.

What happened

The flight crew was cleared via radar vectors for a visual approach to runway 36. Prior to landing, the before-landing checklist was completed, and all aircraft systems were reported as operational. The DC-9 touched down on the 7,003-foot long concrete runway approximately 2,500 feet from the threshold.

During the landing roll, the first officer was operating the aircraft and applied normal braking; however, the airplane failed to decelerate as expected. Upon noticing the lack of deceleration, the captain took control of the flight controls and applied heavy braking, but there was still no noticeable reduction in speed. The aircraft continued rolling off the departure end of runway 36, eventually coming to a full stop in approximately one foot of mud.

Flight data recorder analysis showed a touchdown airspeed of 127 knots indicated airspeed, which matched the prescribed landing airspeed for the flight. The aircraft traveled 2,500 feet after touchdown and reached a complete stop 43 seconds later. While the crew reported a touchdown point of 2,500 feet from the threshold, a witness reported the touchdown occurred approximately 4,000 feet from the threshold. According to the aircraft operating manual, the target touchdown point is 1,000 feet from the runway threshold.

There were no injuries reported in this incident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-02-28 Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-32 accident near Savannah, GA?

A DC-9 failed to decelerate during its landing roll on runway 36, resulting in the aircraft exiting the departure end of the runway and coming to a stop in mud.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-02-28 involved a Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-32, registration N936VV, at Savannah, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the copilot's misjudgment of the landing touchdown point, and the pilot-in-command's inadequate supervision.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05211. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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