Runway excursion at Istanbul-Atatürk Airport

No fatalities • Istanbul-Atatürk, Turkey • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft overran the runway at Istanbul-Atatürk Airport during a rainy approach, resulting in the fuselage breaking in two and several minor injuries.

What happened

During the final approach to Istanbul-Atatürk Airport, the flight crew encountered deteriorating weather characterized by rain. While the visibility was initially estimated at approximately 8 km, the aircraft passed through intense local showers during the short final phase of the flight, causing a brief loss of visual contact with the runway.

Upon landing on the wet surface of runway 2al, the aircraft failed to decelerate sufficiently within the available runway length. The subsequent overrun led to the separation of the landing gear and caused the aircraft to breach a perimeter fence. The aircraft then crossed a roadway and struck multiple obstacles before the structural integrity of the airframe failed, causing the plane to break into two pieces.

All 131 occupants were successfully evacuated from the wreckage. While there were no fatalities, 19 passengers sustained minor injuries during the incident.

Findings

  • The aircraft encountered heavy rain and localized strong showers during the approach.
  • The runway surface was wet at the time of touchdown.
  • Inadequate stopping distance on the wet runway led to the excursion.

Probable cause

The aircraft failed to stop on a wet runway following an approach through heavy rain and low visibility.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-08-21 Boeing 707 accident near Istanbul-Atatürk, Turkey?

An aircraft overran the runway at Istanbul-Atatürk Airport during a rainy approach, resulting in the fuselage breaking in two and several minor injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1996-08-21 Boeing 707 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-08-21 involved a Boeing 707, registration SU-AVX, operated by Egyptair, at Istanbul-Atatürk, Turkey.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft failed to stop on a wet runway following an approach through heavy rain and low visibility.

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