Runway excursion at São Paulo-Congonhas Airport

No fatalities • São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a runway excursion during landing in heavy rain at São Paulo-Congonhas Airport, resulting in no fatalities but significant damage to the plane.

What happened

During an approach to São Paulo-Congonhas Airport, the aircraft landed amidst intense rainfall. The runway surface was heavily contaminated with water at the time of touchdown. Following the landing, the crew encountered significant challenges in achieving sufficient deceleration on the wet pavement. As the aircraft approached the end of the runway, the captain executed a maneuver to steer the plane toward the left-hand side of the runway to avoid an overrun.

In the process of exiting the paved surface, the aircraft made contact with waterlogged ground. This impact caused the undercarriage to be torn from the airframe. The aircraft eventually came to a complete stop, and all 88 occupants were able to evacuate the vessel without injury. While there were no casualties, the aircraft type sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

Investigations into the incident determined that the primary factor was hydroplaning occurring on the runway surface. The accumulation of water was excessive, which significantly reduced the braking coefficient and prevented the aircraft from stopping within the available runway length.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced hydroplaning due to an excessive amount of standing water on the runway surface during heavy rain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1974-02-02 BAc 111 accident near São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil?

An aircraft experienced a runway excursion during landing in heavy rain at São Paulo-Congonhas Airport, resulting in no fatalities but significant damage to the plane.

Were there any fatalities in the 1974-02-02 BAc 111 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1974-02-02 involved a BAc 111, registration PP-SDQ, operated by Transbrasil, at São Paulo-Congonhas, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced hydroplaning due to an excessive amount of standing water on the runway surface during heavy rain.

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