Aircraft overrun during aborted takeoff at Najran Airport

No fatalities • Najran, Saudi Arabia • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced an engine malfunction during its takeoff roll at Najran Airport, leading to a runway excursion and landing gear separation.

What happened

While performing a takeoff roll on runway 06/24 at Najran Airport, the aircraft experienced a sudden increase in thrust from the right engine once the speed reached 95 knots. Shortly after this surge, as the airspeed reached 120 knots, the crew received an exhaust gas temperature warning on the cockpit instrumentation.

In response to the engine anomaly, the captain executed an aborted takeoff and began emergency landing procedures. During the deceleration process, the crew deployed the speed brakes; however, the thrust reversers failed to engage. Due to the inability to halt the aircraft within the available runway length, the aircraft type overran the end of the runway. The excursion resulted in the separation of the right engine and the loss of the undercarriage. Despite the impact, all 85 occupants were able to evacuate the aircraft without any reported fatalities or injuries.

Findings

  • A sudden thrust increase occurred in the right engine during the takeoff roll.
  • An exhaust gas temperature warning was triggered during the high-speed phase of the roll.
  • The failure of the thrust reversers to activate prevented the aircraft from stopping within the runway limits.

Probable cause

An unexpected increase in right engine thrust followed by an exhaust gas temperature warning led to an aborted takeoff that could not be stopped due to malfunctioning thrust reversers.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-09-06 Boeing 737-200 accident near Najran, Saudi Arabia?

An aircraft experienced an engine malfunction during its takeoff roll at Najran Airport, leading to a runway excursion and landing gear separation.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-09-06 Boeing 737-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-09-06 involved a Boeing 737-200, registration HZ-AGM, operated by Saudi Arabian Airlines - SAUDIA, at Najran, Saudi Arabia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An unexpected increase in right engine thrust followed by an exhaust gas temperature warning led to an aborted takeoff that could not be stopped due to malfunctioning thrust reversers.

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