What happened
During an approach to Runway 19 at Tunis-Carthage International Airport, the flight crew encountered difficult weather conditions characterized by heavy rainfall and significant crosswinds. The flight had proceeded without incident from its origin at Casablanca-Mohamed V Airport.
Upon landing, the aircraft traveled approximately 1,600 metres along the runway before drifting toward the right side of the pavement. The aircraft subsequently exited the runway surface and entered a grassy area, where it rolled for a distance of 114 metres. During this excursion, the nose gear struck the concrete of Runway 11/29 at a perpendicular angle, causing the landing gear to be detached from the airframe. The aircraft continued to roll for an additional 130 metres before the movement ceased.
There were no fatalities among the 83 occupants on board, all of whom evacuated the aircraft successfully. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Findings
- The aircraft encountered strong crosswinds and heavy rain during the landing phase.
- The aircraft deviated from the runway centerline following touchdown.