Runway excursion at Abu Dhabi Airport during takeoff

No fatalities • Abu Dhabi-Al Bateen, United Arab Emirates • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced a loss of control and subsequent runway overrun during its takeoff roll at Abu Dhabi Airport.

What happened

While performing a takeoff roll on runway 31 at Abu Dhabi Airport, the aircraft encountered significant vibrations. As the vehicle approached the V1 decision speed, the crew experienced a loss of longitudinal control. In response to the instability, the captain elected to abort the takeoff and applied emergency braking.

Despite the attempt to stop, the aircraft could not halt within the available runway length. The vessel overran the end of the runway, resulting in the separation of the nose landing gear. The sequence of events concluded several dozen meters beyond the runway threshold. The impact caused extensive structural damage, including the destruction of the cockpit and both engines, as well as a structural failure of the left wing.

Findings

  • The aircraft experienced intense vibrations and a loss of directional control prior to reaching V1.
  • The loss of longitudinal control prevented the aircraft from completing the takeoff safely.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced vibrations and a loss of longitudinal control during the takeoff roll, leading to an unsuccessful aborted takeoff and runway overrun.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-03-10 Airbus A320 accident near Abu Dhabi-Al Bateen, United Arab Emirates?

An aircraft experienced a loss of control and subsequent runway overrun during its takeoff roll at Abu Dhabi Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-03-10 Airbus A320 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-03-10 involved a Airbus A320, registration A4O-EM, operated by Gulf Air, at Abu Dhabi-Al Bateen, United Arab Emirates.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced vibrations and a loss of longitudinal control during the takeoff roll, leading to an unsuccessful aborted takeoff and runway overrun.

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