Runway excursion of charter aircraft in Luxembourg

No fatalities • Luton, United Kingdom • Landing (descent or approach)

A charter flight ended in a runway overrun in Luxembourg after the aircraft failed to decelerate following touchdown on a wet surface.

What happened

During a nighttime charter operation departing from Luxembourg, an aircraft experienced a significant excursion upon landing. The flight proceeded without incident until the crew touched down on a runway that was covered in water. Following the landing, the aircraft struggled to slow down, leading to an overrun of the paved surface. During the excursion, the plane's undercarriage was torn away before the vehicle eventually came to a stop several dozen yards past the runway end.

Despite the impact, all 69 occupants were able to evacuate the plane without injury. The aircraft sustained damage so extensive that it was declared a total loss. At the time of the event, meteorological conditions included a cloud ceiling of 300 feet and horizontal visibility of approximately 1,800 meters.

Findings

Investigations into the incident suggest that the primary factor was aquaplaning on the wet runway. This condition occurred while the crew was applying the brakes in an intermittent manner. Additionally, it was noted that the flaps had been retracted to the takeoff configuration during the landing sequence.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced aquaplaning on a wet runway due to the combination of low visibility and improper flap configuration during touchdown.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1967-09-14 Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador accident near Luton, United Kingdom?

A charter flight ended in a runway overrun in Luxembourg after the aircraft failed to decelerate following touchdown on a wet surface.

Were there any fatalities in the 1967-09-14 Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1967-09-14 involved a Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador, registration G-ALZS, operated by Autair International Airways, at Luton, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced aquaplaning on a wet runway due to the combination of low visibility and improper flap configuration during touchdown.

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