Runway excursion at Tripoli Airport involving four-engine aircraft

No fatalities • Tripoli, Libya • Takeoff (climb)

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-12-07 Boeing 707 accident near Tripoli, Libya?

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

Were there any fatalities in the 1991-12-07 Boeing 707 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-12-07 involved a Boeing 707, registration 5A-DJT, operated by Libyan Arab Airlines, at Tripoli, Libya.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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

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