Runway excursion and fatal accident during takeoff roll

4 fatalities • Santiago de Cuba, Cuba • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft veered off the runway and entered a ravine during an aborted takeoff, resulting in four fatalities and seventeen injuries.

What happened

During the takeoff roll, the aircraft reached V1 speed when the captain elected to abort the procedure. Following this decision, the pilot decreased engine thrust and applied emergency braking. As the aircraft approached the end of the runway, it was approximately 150 meters from the threshold when the pilot determined that the runway length was insufficient to bring the plane to a complete stop.

In an attempt to avoid the runway end, the pilot steered the aircraft to the left, causing it to exit the paved surface. The aircraft traveled through a grassy area and rolled for several dozen meters before plunging into a nearby ravine. Upon impact, the aircraft caught fire. The accident resulted in four fatalities and 17 injuries among the occupants.

Findings

The pilot initiated an aborted takeoff at V1 speed for reasons that remain undetermined.
The aircraft failed to stop within the remaining runway distance after the decision to abort was made.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to abort the takeoff at V1 speed led to an insufficient stopping distance, causing the aircraft to exit the runway and crash into a ravine.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-03-23 Antonov AN-26 accident near Santiago de Cuba, Cuba?

An aircraft veered off the runway and entered a ravine during an aborted takeoff, resulting in four fatalities and seventeen injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1990-03-23 Antonov AN-26 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-03-23 involved a Antonov AN-26, registration CU-T1436, operated by Cubana de Aviación, at Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.

What was the probable cause of the accident?