What happened
On a scheduled flight traveling from New York (JFK) to St. Thomas (STT) via Providence, an Boeing 727 operated by American Airlines experienced a runway excursion during its arrival in the U.S. Virgin Islands. After transitioning from IFR to VFR procedures, the crew utilized the ILS for runway 09. During the approach, the aircraft intercepted the glide slope at 1500 feet MSL with flaps set to 15 degrees. As the descent continued, flap settings were increased to 25 and then 30 degrees, though the required 40-degree setting was not utilized.
The aircraft crossed the runway threshold at an altitude of approximately 30 to 40 feet while maintaining a speed 10 KIAS above Vref. Upon reaching 1000 feet down the runway, turbulence caused the right wing to dip, necessitating a correction to level the wings. This resulted in a prolonged float, with the aircraft finally touching down between 2200 and 2300 feet down the runway. Determining that the remaining runway length was insufficient for a safe stop, the captain attempted an immediate go-around. However, due to a lack of perceived engine acceleration, the throttles were closed again.
The aircraft subsequently exited the runway in an 11-degree nose-up attitude, striking a localizer antenna. The right wingtip made contact with a hillside south of the antenna before the plane hit an embankment. The momentum caused the aircraft to become airborne briefly and cross a perimeter road, eventually coming to a halt 83 feet beyond the road where it ignited. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries reported in this incident.
Findings
The accident was driven by the pilot's decision to initiate a go-around maneuver despite having insufficient runway remaining following a long touchdown. The extended landing roll was caused by a combination of wind turbulence and a failure to follow prescribed landing techniques, specifically regarding flap configuration. Additionally, uncertainty regarding the aircraft's performance capabilities during a go-around may have influenced the crew's actions.