What happened
While performing the final approach segment toward the runway threshold at Mexico City-Benito Juarez Airport, a four-engine airplane encountered intense rainfall. As the aircraft transitioned through this area of heavy precipitation, the pilot-in-command lost visual reference with the runway surface.
In response to the loss of visibility, the crew attempted to execute a go-around procedure. During this maneuver, the aircraft entered a stall and the nose pitched downward, leading to an impact with the runway. The initial contact was made by the nose gear, which was subsequently sheared off from the airframe. Following the impact, the aircraft slid across the runway surface for a short distance before coming to a complete stop.
Findings
- The incident occurred during the transition from final approach to a go-around.
- Heavy rainfall contributed to the pilot losing visual contact with the landing strip.
- All 127 occupants on board were successfully evacuated from the aircraft without injury.