No fatalities

Wrong Approach Configuration Leads to Nose Gear First Landing and Runway Excursion (9Q-CRT)

Sana'a, YemenLanding (descent or approach)

On August 9, 1977, a Boeing 707 (registration 9Q-CRT) operated by Pearl Air was involved in an aviation accident near Sana'a, Yemen during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 707
Photo: USAF / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

An airplane landed nose gear first on runway 18 due to a wrong approach configuration, causing a tire burst and three bounces. After a go-around and second landing, nosewheel steering failure led to a runway excursion.

Incident Overview

An airplane experienced a hard landing on runway 18 after the flight crew configured the approach incorrectly. The landing gear touched down nose first, resulting in a burst tire. The aircraft then bounced three times before the captain initiated a go-around.

Initial Landing and Go-Around

The crew subsequently flew a circuit and attempted a second landing. This approach and touchdown were completed safely. However, after the second touchdown, control of the aircraft on the ground was lost because the nosewheel steering system was inoperative.

Second Landing and Runway Excursion

Without functioning nosewheel steering, the airplane veered off the runway surface. It continued beyond the paved area and eventually came to rest in an unprepared area.

Conclusion

All three crew members evacuated the aircraft without injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and was declared a write-off.

Probable cause

Wrong approach configuration.