Runway Excursion at Miami International Airport

Casualties unknown • Miami, FL, US

A commercial aircraft experienced a runway excursion during landing at Miami International Airport after touching down significantly past the runway threshold.

What happened

During the approach and landing phase at Miami International Airport, the first officer was operating the aircraft for a localizer 30 approach. Prior to the descent, the crew performed a briefing for the approach. During the landing on runway 30, the aircraft floated following the flare. As the aircraft continued along the runway, the captain took control during the landing roll as it appeared the aircraft would overrun the runway and collide with an approach light structure. The captain steered the aircraft to the left side of the runway, eventually bringing it to a complete stop with the nose wheel in a sandy area. All passengers were able to deplane safely, and there were no injuries reported.

The investigation

Data from the digital flight data recorder indicated that the descent from cruise flight to 10,000 feet was normal, maintaining an airspeed of 250 knots at that altitude. However, during the subsequent descent, the airspeed increased, exceeding 300 knots as the aircraft descended through 5,000 feet. This high airspeed was maintained until the aircraft was within 4 miles of the runway at 1,500 feet altitude. The aircraft crossed the runway threshold at an altitude of over 100 feet with an airspeed of over 200 knots, which was at least Vref + 70 knots.

The touchdown speed was approximately 150 knots, and the aircraft touched down more than 5,000 feet past the runway threshold. Flight data showed that full wing spoilers or speed brakes were deployed between 4.5 and 2.5 miles from the runway. Wing slat extension began at 1,200 feet at 290 knots, and wing flap extension began at 900 feet at 280 knots. The landing gear was extended at 1.5 miles from the runway at 400 feet altitude. Notably, the ground spoilers were not deployed after touchdown. The aircraft came to rest approximately 90 degrees left of the runway heading.

Probable cause

The aircraft touched down significantly past the runway threshold following a high-speed approach and an extended float during landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-01-01 Mcdonnell Douglas MD-83 accident near Miami, FL?

A commercial aircraft experienced a runway excursion during landing at Miami International Airport after touching down significantly past the runway threshold.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-01-01 involved a Mcdonnell Douglas MD-83, registration 9Y-THQ, operated by Bwia West Indies Airways, Ltd., at Miami, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft touched down significantly past the runway threshold following a high-speed approach and an extended float during landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020103X00009. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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