Runway Overrun During Landing Approach

No fatalities • Rochester, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft overran the runway after an excessively high-speed approach, resulting in a ditch strike and loss of landing gear.

What happened

During the landing phase, the pilot-in-command utilized an incorrect approach configuration, leading to a descent over the threshold of runway 28 at a speed of 184 knots. This velocity was approximately 61 knots higher than the required reference speed. The aircraft maintained a nose-down attitude during this process.

The initial contact with the runway occurred via the nose gear at a speed of 163 knots, which exceeded the standard touchdown speed by roughly 40 to 45 knots. This impact took place 2,540 feet beyond the threshold of the 5,500-foot runway. Due to the high velocity and insufficient remaining pavement, the aircraft could not stop within the runway limits. The plane subsequently overran the end of the runway, struck a drainage ditch, and experienced a separation of the undercarriage. The aircraft eventually came to a halt 728 feet past the runway exit.

All 77 occupants were successfully evacuated from the aircraft, though one injury was reported during the event.

Findings

Investigation into the incident identified that the captain lacked sufficient awareness regarding the airspeed, sink rate, and overall performance of the aircraft throughout the ILS approach and landing. This lack of situational awareness resulted in a touchdown at an excessive speed that left inadequate distance for deceleration.

A significant contributing factor was the failure of the first officer to perform necessary callouts, which could have alerted the pilot-in-command to the deviations in vertical speed and airspeed. Investigators were unable to establish why the captain lacked awareness or why the crew member failed to provide the required verbal alerts.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain awareness of airspeed and descent rate, compounded by the first officer's failure to provide necessary callouts, led to an excessive-speed touchdown.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1978-07-09 BAc 111 accident near Rochester, United States of America?

An aircraft overran the runway after an excessively high-speed approach, resulting in a ditch strike and loss of landing gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 1978-07-09 BAc 111 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1978-07-09 involved a BAc 111, registration N1550, operated by Allegheny Airlines, at Rochester, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain awareness of airspeed and descent rate, compounded by the first officer's failure to provide necessary callouts, led to an excessive-speed touchdown.

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