Aircraft undershoot during approach to San Cristóbal

No fatalities • San Cristóbal, Ecuador • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft flying from Guayaquil to San Cristóbal struck approach lights and landed short of the runway threshold, resulting in significant damage but no injuries.

What happened

While operating a flight from Guayaquil to San Cristóbal, the flight crew identified a malfunction involving the aircraft's antiskid system. In response to this technical issue, the decision was made to execute a low approach toward runway 16, aiming to touch down on the initial portion of the runway surface.

During the short final phase of the flight, the aircraft descended too low and made contact with the approach lighting system. The impact caused the aircraft to land approximately 36 metres before the threshold of runway 16. The force of the landing caused the undercarriage to be torn from the airframe. Following the initial impact, the aircraft slid for roughly 700 metres along the runway before coming to a complete stop.

Findings

All 56 occupants on board managed to evacuate the aircraft without any injuries reported. Although there were no casualties, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the approach lights and landed short of the runway threshold following a decision to perform a low approach due to an antiskid system malfunction.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-08-22 Boeing 727-200 accident near San Cristóbal, Ecuador?

An aircraft flying from Guayaquil to San Cristóbal struck approach lights and landed short of the runway threshold, resulting in significant damage but no injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-08-22 Boeing 727-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-08-22 involved a Boeing 727-200, registration HC-BVU, operated by SAETA - Sociedad Anonima Ecuatoriana de Transportes Aéreos, at San Cristóbal, Ecuador.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck the approach lights and landed short of the runway threshold following a decision to perform a low approach due to an antiskid system malfunction.

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