On August 16, 1976, a Boeing 720 (registration HK-723) operated by Avianca was involved in an aviation accident near Mexico City-Benito Juarez, Mexico during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During final approach to Mexico City Airport, a four-engine airplane entered heavy rain, lost visual contact with the runway, and initiated a go-around. The aircraft stalled, nosed down, and struck the runway nose gear first, tearing it off. All 127 occupants evacuated safely.
Incident Overview
A four-engine airplane, while on the last segment of final approach to Mexico City-Benito Juarez Airport, encountered heavy rain as it passed over the runway threshold. The pilot-in-command, having lost visual contact with the runway, decided to execute a go-around maneuver.
Sequence of Events
During the go-around, the airplane stalled and nosed down, striking the runway surface with the nose gear first. The impact caused the nose gear to be torn off. The aircraft then slid for several meters before coming to rest.
Occupant Evacuation
All 127 occupants on board were evacuated safely.