No fatalities

1991-12-07: Boeing 707 (5A-DJT) — Libyan Arab Airlines — Tripoli, Libya

Tripoli, LibyaTakeoff (climb)

On December 7, 1991, a Boeing 707 (registration 5A-DJT) operated by Libyan Arab Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Tripoli, Libya during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft veered left during the takeoff roll and encountered soft ground, causing structural disintegration and fire. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781211472Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 707
Photo: USAF / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A large aircraft veered off the runway during its takeoff roll at Tripoli Airport, resulting in structural failure and a post-crash fire.

What happened

During the takeoff phase at Tripoli Airport, an aircraft experienced a significant excursion from the runway. After traveling approximately 700 metres during the takeoff roll, the aircraft drifted to the left side of the runway.

Upon leaving the paved surface and encountering soft ground, the aircraft suffered severe structural damage. The impact with the terrain caused the loss of all four engines and the entire undercarriage assembly. The momentum of the aircraft caused it to slide for several dozen metres before the fuselage broke into three distinct sections. Following the breakup, the wreckage ignited, resulting in a fire.

Despite the severity of the accident, all 199 occupants were successfully evacuated from the wreckage. The incident resulted in 10 injuries among the passengers and crew.

Findings

  • The aircraft veered off the runway after reaching a distance of 700 metres.
  • Contact with soft ground led to the separation of the engines and landing gear.

Probable cause

The aircraft veered left during the takeoff roll and encountered soft ground, causing structural disintegration and fire.