Runway excursion of four-engine aircraft following improper approach

No fatalities • Addis Ababa-Bole, Ethiopia • Landing (descent or approach)

A four-engine airplane overran the runway after an incorrect approach configuration led to a touchdown too far down the runway.

What happened

During the landing phase on runway 25, a four-engine airplane experienced a runway excursion. The aircraft arrived at the runway in an incorrect configuration, which resulted in the plane touching down significantly past the threshold, approximately one-third of the way down the runway. Due to this late touchdown and the remaining distance available, the aircraft was unable to decelerate sufficiently and overran the end of the runway.

Despite the impact of the excursion, all nine occupants managed to exit the aircraft without sustaining any injuries. However, the structural damage sustained during the event was severe enough that the aircraft was declared a total loss.

Findings

Investigations into the incident identified several critical errors regarding the approach and landing sequence. The crew performed a steep turn too late during the final approach, which was part of an improper configuration setup. Several contributing elements were noted:

  • The speed of the aircraft upon touchdown was higher than appropriate for the landing.
  • Because the aircraft remained too high during its descent, it landed too far down the runway.
  • There was a failure by the crew to execute a go-around procedure when the approach became unstable.
  • Poor coordination among the crew played a significant role in the sequence of events.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an improper approach configuration and a late turn that resulted in excessive speed and a touchdown too far down the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1984-08-24 Antonov AN-12 accident near Addis Ababa-Bole, Ethiopia?

A four-engine airplane overran the runway after an incorrect approach configuration led to a touchdown too far down the runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 1984-08-24 Antonov AN-12 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1984-08-24 involved a Antonov AN-12, registration LZ-BAD, operated by Balkan Bulgarian Airlines, at Addis Ababa-Bole, Ethiopia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an improper approach configuration and a late turn that resulted in excessive speed and a touchdown too far down the runway.

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