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Aircraft Overruns Runway After Rejected Takeoff, Destroys Aircraft (TI-LRC)

San José-Juan Santamaría, Costa RicaTakeoff (climb)

On May 23, 1988, a Boeing 727-100 (registration TI-LRC) operated by Lineas Aéreas Costarricenses - LACSA was involved in an aviation accident near San José-Juan Santamaría, Costa Rica during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Excess weight in the front cargo hold displaced the centre of gravity to the forward limit. Two additional trim units would have been required for takeoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 14 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the Costa Rican Civil Aviation Directorate (DGAC Costa Rica)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 727-100
Photo: Pete Macklin / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During takeoff on runway 07, the aircraft failed to rotate at V1. The crew rejected takeoff but could not stop, resulting in an overrun, crossing a ditch, and coming to rest in a field where a post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft. All 26 occupants escaped with minor injuries.

Accident Details

During the takeoff roll on runway 07, at V1 speed, the captain initiated the rotation but the aircraft did not respond. The crew decided to abort the takeoff and began an emergency braking maneuver. The aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining runway distance, overran the end, crossed a ditch, and came to rest in a field. A post-crash fire ensued, destroying the aircraft.

Occupant Outcome

All 26 occupants aboard escaped with minor injuries. No fatalities were reported.

Aircraft Damage

The aircraft was destroyed by the post-crash fire.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be: excess weight in the front cargo hold displaced the centre of gravity to the forward limit. Two additional trim units would have been required for takeoff.

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

More Boeing 727 safety records →

All Boeing 727-200 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 May 1988 Boeing 727-100 accident near San José-Juan Santamaría, Costa Rica?

During takeoff on runway 07, the aircraft failed to rotate at V1. The crew rejected takeoff but could not stop, resulting in an overrun, crossing a ditch, and coming to rest in a field where a post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft. All 26 occupants escaped with minor injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 May 1988 Boeing 727-100 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 May 1988 involved a Boeing 727-100, registration TI-LRC, operated by Lineas Aéreas Costarricenses - LACSA, at San José-Juan Santamaría, Costa Rica.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Excess weight in the front cargo hold displaced the centre of gravity to the forward limit. Two additional trim units would have been required for takeoff.

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