Runway overrun and post-crash fire during takeoff

No fatalities • San José-Juan Santamaría, Costa Rica • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft overran the runway and caught fire after failing to rotate during its takeoff roll, resulting in no fatalities.

What happened

While performing a takeoff roll on runway 07, the aircraft reached V1 speed when the captain attempted to initiate rotation. However, the aircraft type failed to respond to the pitch input. In response to this lack of aerodynamic response, the crew executed an aborted takeoff procedure and applied emergency braking.

Despite these efforts, the plane could not stop before the end of the runway. The aircraft subsequently overran the paved surface, traversed a ditch, and came to a halt in an adjacent field. Following the impact, a fire broke out, which ultimately destroyed the airframe. All 26 occupants managed to evacuate the wreckage without loss of life, though they sustained minor injuries.

Findings

Investigations into the incident determined that the aircraft's center of gravity had shifted to its forward limit. This imbalance was caused by excess weight located in the front cargo hold. The investigation concluded that the flight would have required two additional trim units to safely manage the takeoff under these loading conditions.

Probable cause

The aircraft's center of gravity was too far forward due to improper weight distribution in the forward cargo compartment.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1988-05-23 Boeing 727-100 accident near San José-Juan Santamaría, Costa Rica?

An aircraft overran the runway and caught fire after failing to rotate during its takeoff roll, resulting in no fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1988-05-23 Boeing 727-100 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-05-23 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?

The aircraft's center of gravity was too far forward due to improper weight distribution in the forward cargo compartment.

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