Runway excursion at Alghero Airport due to high winds

No fatalities • Alghero, Italy • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a runway excursion during landing at Alghero Airport following an encounter with heavy crosswinds, resulting in significant airframe damage but no injuries.

What happened

During the approach and landing phase at Alghero Airport, the aircraft encountered severe weather conditions. As the plane transitioned to touchdown on runway 03, it was subjected to unfavorable wind conditions that caused the aircraft to float significantly. The landing occurred approximately 750 metres beyond the runway threshold.

Following this initial contact, the aircraft experienced a hard impact with the nose gear striking the surface first. This impact caused the plane to bounce, eventually settling firmly on the ground 1,300 metres further along the path, positioned to the right of the runway centerline. During the excursion, the aircraft lost its undercarriage and traveled an additional 400 metres before coming to a complete stop.

Despite the severity of the impact and the resulting damage, all 25 occupants managed to evacuate the aircraft without any injuries reported. The aircraft type was determined to be damaged beyond repair.

Findings

Investigation into the incident highlighted that at the time of the accident, the area was experiencing intense crosswinds with gusts reaching up to 42 knots. This high-velocity wind was a primary factor in the aircraft's inability to maintain the runway centerline and its subsequent loss of control during the landing roll.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a runway excursion caused by encountering heavy crosswinds gusting to 42 knots during the landing phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-01-20 ATR42-300 accident near Alghero, Italy?

An aircraft experienced a runway excursion during landing at Alghero Airport following an encounter with heavy crosswinds, resulting in significant airframe damage but no injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1998-01-20 ATR42-300 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-01-20 involved a ATR42-300, registration EI-COC, operated by ItalAir, at Alghero, Italy.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a runway excursion caused by encountering heavy crosswinds gusting to 42 knots during the landing phase.

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