Aircraft Overrun at Leticia-Alfredo Vásquez Cobo Airport

No fatalities • Leticia-Alfredo Vásquez Cobo, Colombia • Takeoff (climb)

A cargo flight departing from Leticia experienced an overrun during takeoff, resulting in a total loss of the aircraft but no injuries.

What happened

During a scheduled cargo operation from Leticia to Girardot, an unidentified aircraft was performing a takeoff roll on runway 20 at Leticia-Alfredo Vásquez Cobo Airport. The flight was transporting five tons of fish along with three crew members and three passengers.

As the aircraft reached its rotation speed (Vr), the pilot-in-command attempted to lift the nose, but the plane failed to respond to the control inputs. Recognizing the situation, the captain executed an aborted takeoff and applied emergency braking. Despite these efforts, the aircraft could not stop before the end of the runway, eventually coming to a halt 80 meters past the threshold.

While all six occupants managed to exit the plane without injury, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

Investigations into the incident revealed two primary technical issues regarding the aircraft's configuration. The investigation concluded that the total weight exceeded the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) by 532 kilograms. Additionally, the center of gravity (CofG) was positioned outside of the permitted forward limit.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the aircraft being operated significantly above its maximum takeoff weight with an improper center of gravity.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-08-24 Antonov AN-32 accident near Leticia-Alfredo Vásquez Cobo, Colombia?

A cargo flight departing from Leticia experienced an overrun during takeoff, resulting in a total loss of the aircraft but no injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1998-08-24 Antonov AN-32 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-08-24 involved a Antonov AN-32, registration HK-4007X, operated by Sociedad Aérea del Caqueta - Sadelca Colombia, at Leticia-Alfredo Vásquez Cobo, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the aircraft being operated significantly above its maximum takeoff weight with an improper center of gravity.

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