What happened
During an approach to runway 24 via NBD, the flight crew encountered challenging meteorological conditions characterized by rainfall, cloud bases as low as 1,500 feet, and visibility restricted to 3 km. Because the runway could not be visually identified, the pilot-in-command performed a go-around.
During a subsequent attempt to land, the aircraft touched down approximately 2,060 feet beyond the runway threshold on the 5,000-foot runway. The touchdown occurred at a speed of 148 knots. Although the crew deployed spoilers and engaged thrust reversers immediately upon contact with the wet surface, the plane failed to stop within the remaining pavement and exited the runway.
The aircraft proceeded down a sharp embankment and struck a stone bridge. The impact caused the airframe to break into multiple sections, and the wreckage subsequently caught fire on a beach situated roughly 40 meters below the airfield's elevation. The accident resulted in 131 fatalities (comprising six crew members and 125 passengers) and 33 serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed by the structural failure and the resulting post-crash fire.
Findings
Investigation into the accident identified several contributing elements:
- Adverse weather conditions during the landing phase
- Potential hydroplaning on the wet runway surface
- An approach speed exceeding Vref by 19 knots
- A long touchdown caused by an excessive flare
- An abrupt correction in direction following touchdown