On December 18, 1991, a Beechcraft Beechjet 400 (registration N3123T) operated by Transair USA was involved in an aviation accident near Bucharest-Otopeni-Henri Coandă, Romania during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The approach was continued and the landing was completed in below minima weather conditions. The crew failed to initiate a go-around procedure. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During a landing in fog with 100-meter visibility, an aircraft veered right, struck a snow wall, and collided with an observation tower. All 10 occupants escaped uninjured. The aircraft was destroyed.
Incident
An aircraft landing at Bucharest-Otopeni Airport encountered difficulties during approach in poor weather conditions. Visibility was reduced to 100 meters due to fog. The aircraft touched down slightly to the right of the runway 26L centerline. Immediately after landing, the right wing struck a 60-centimeter-high snow wall bordering the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to lose control and veer off the runway. It then collided with an observation tower located near the airfield. All ten occupants on board evacuated without injury. The aircraft sustained damage beyond economical repair.
Investigation
Investigators examined the sequence of events leading to the accident. The flight crew had continued the approach and completed the landing despite weather conditions that were below the established minima. The official finding noted that the crew did not initiate a go-around procedure, which would have aborted the landing attempt. No further factors were cited in the report.
Probable cause
The approach was continued and the landing was completed in below minima weather conditions. The crew failed to initiate a go-around procedure.
What happened in the 18 Dec 1991 Beechcraft Beechjet 400 accident near Bucharest-Otopeni-Henri Coandă, Romania?
During a landing in fog with 100-meter visibility, an aircraft veered right, struck a snow wall, and collided with an observation tower. All 10 occupants escaped uninjured. The aircraft was destroyed.
Were there any fatalities in the 18 Dec 1991 Beechcraft Beechjet 400 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Dec 1991 involved a Beechcraft Beechjet 400, registration N3123T, operated by Transair USA, at Bucharest-Otopeni-Henri Coandă, Romania.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The approach was continued and the landing was completed in below minima weather conditions. The crew failed to initiate a go-around procedure.
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