Incident Overview
A flight crew landed an aircraft on runway 36R during a period that had seen heavy rain before arrival, though precipitation had ceased by the time of the accident. After the first officer completed the landing, the captain assumed control as the aircraft slowed. The captain then exited the runway at taxiway S4, and the local controller cleared the flight to cross runway 36C at Kilo.
Sequence of Events
While exiting runway 36R, the captain asked the first officer for the location of Kilo. She replied “on the right,” indicating that taxiway Kilo was to their right. After crossing runway 36C, the aircraft entered the junction of taxiways Kilo, Charlie, and Charlie 5. At that point, the captain observed that gate C16 was on his left side and saw a marshaller. He turned left toward the gate. Neither crew member realized the aircraft had left the paved taxiway until they felt the nose landing gear impact a concrete drainage ditch.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the site and found the aircraft resting in the grass median off the right side of taxiway Charlie, approximately 250 feet south of taxiway Kilo. The nose landing gear assembly had collapsed, and the forward pressure bulkhead was punctured. According to the Airport Safety and Certification Division of the FAA Southern Region, all taxiway signs and lights were illuminated and functioning correctly at the time. Taxiway edge markings were correct, and the centerline was present. The signs and markings conformed to the approved sign plan and Airport Certification Manual.
Damage Assessment
The primary damage consisted of the collapsed nose landing gear and a punctured forward pressure bulkhead. No further details about other damage or injuries were provided in the investigation source.