Accident Overview
On 22 April 2008, a British Aerospace BAe 146-200 aircraft, registered YR-BEB, operated by Romavia R.A., was performing a commercial flight from Timișoara to Bucharest Otopeni International Airport, with an intermediate stop in Craiova. The flight and approach to Bucharest Otopeni (OTP) proceeded normally until landing.
Landing and Runway Excursion
The aircraft touched down on runway 08L at 15:15:23 UTC, approximately 1,100 meters past the threshold, on the runway centerline. Touchdown occurred during rapidly deteriorating weather conditions, including a tailwind and heavy rain. The runway was contaminated with water. After reducing engines to ground idle and applying braking systems, the pilots noted that deceleration was very slow.
Approaching the displaced threshold of runway 26R (the displaced end of runway 08L) at considerable speed, the commander elected to exit the runway onto high-speed taxiway V. During the turn onto taxiway V, the tire of wheel No. 1 (left main landing gear) burst.
Still at high speed, the aircraft then entered taxiway O via a wide left turn. Under the influence of strong gusty tailwind and with a burst tire, the aircraft pivoted approximately 120° to the left, skidded, and partially departed the taxiway, coming to rest at the edge on grass. The right main landing gear collapsed during the skid.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
At 15:16:00 UTC, the commander declared a MAYDAY, reporting that the aircraft had exited the taxiway and that passengers were being evacuated on the left side. All passengers and crew evacuated via the aircraft slides. Emergency response teams arrived and provided assistance. No injuries were reported, and no fire occurred.
Damage and Location
The aircraft sustained considerable damage and came to a stop at coordinates N 44° 34' 33", E 026° 06' 51", partially on grass adjacent to taxiway O. A light beacon in the taxiway O lighting system was destroyed.
Aircraft and Weather Conditions
The aircraft, a BAe 146-200 (serial number E2220, built in 1993), was owned by BAe Systems Asset Management and operated by Romavia. It was equipped with four Lycoming ALF 502R-5 engines. The aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness. Weather conditions at the time included wind from 280° at 8 knots, which later became variable and gusty with torrential rain, exceeding the certified tailwind limitation of 15 knots for the aircraft type.
Cause
The cause of the accident was high speed during runway exit after landing.