Incident
On a charter flight from Brussels-Zavantem Airport to Tenerife-Sur Reina Sofia, a four-engine aircraft departed runway 02 at 0929 local time. On board were 110 passengers and a crew of seven. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing to 7,000 feet, engine number 3 exploded and caught fire. The crew declared an emergency and received clearance to return for a landing on runway 25L, which was longer than runway 02.
Emergency Landing
After the fire was contained, the aircraft was on final approach. During the last turn, the aircraft was approaching too fast and overshot the intended touchdown point. The pilot then decided to land on the wet runway 25R. Following touchdown, the reversers on engines 1 and 4 were activated, and the crew initiated emergency braking.
Runway Excursion
At a speed of approximately 80 knots, the captain determined that the remaining runway distance was insufficient. He decided to steer the aircraft to the left of the runway. The aircraft veered off the runway, entered loose soil, and came to rest.
Aftermath
All 117 occupants were quickly evacuated, and there were no casualties. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Investigation
The official investigation determined that the explosion of engine number 3 resulted from the disintegration of a blade on the 10th stage of the compressor due to fatigue cracks. Contributing factors included an approach with one engine inoperative, an aircraft weight above the maximum allowable for landing, an excessive approach speed, improper use of brakes, and failure to utilize all available braking options.