On February 19, 2008, an ATR72-200 (registration XY-AIE) operated by Air Bagan was involved in an aviation accident near Putao, Myanmar during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An imbalance in engine thrust during the takeoff roll necessitated a rejected takeoff that could not be completed within the remaining runway distance. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft experienced an engine thrust imbalance during its takeoff roll, leading to a runway excursion and structural failure.
What happened
While performing the takeoff roll, the captain identified an imbalance in engine thrust. In response to this asymmetry, the pilot initiated a rejected takeoff procedure. However, the aircraft was unable to decelerate sufficiently before the end of the available runway.
Following the overrun, the aircraft traveled approximately 30 metres while rolling before striking an embankment. The impact caused the airframe to break into two separate pieces. Despite the structural damage to the vessel, all 57 occupants were able to evacuate the wreckage without injury.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the excursion was asymmetrical engine thrust detected during the initial phase of the takeoff roll.
Probable cause
An imbalance in engine thrust during the takeoff roll necessitated a rejected takeoff that could not be completed within the remaining runway distance.
