No fatalities

1992-11-20: Boeing 737-200 (LV-JNE) — Aerolineas Argentinas — San Luis, Argentina

San Luis, ArgentinaTakeoff (climb)

On November 20, 1992, a Boeing 737-200 (registration LV-JNE) operated by Aerolineas Argentinas was involved in an aviation accident near San Luis, Argentina during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Aborted takeoff and subsequent overran and destruction of the aircraft following the failure of both tyres on the right main gear during takeoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781210525Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 737-200
Photo: San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

During takeoff, both right main gear tyres failed, prompting an aborted takeoff. The aircraft overran the runway, lost its undercarriage, and was destroyed by fire; all 113 occupants evacuated safely.

Incident Overview

On the evening of the incident, an aircraft landed at San Luis Airport at 2046 local time. The landing was described as relatively heavy, prompting the copilot to request ground personnel to inspect the undercarriage before the subsequent departure. No abnormalities were reported.

Takeoff and Tyre Failure

The aircraft began its takeoff roll at 2110 local time, a gap of 24 minutes after landing. Just before reaching V1 speed, tyre number 4 burst and tyre number 3 lost pressure. The captain decided to abort the takeoff and initiated emergency braking.

Overrun and Post-Crash Fire

The aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining runway distance. It overran, lost its undercarriage, and came to rest 125 meters beyond the runway end, at which point it burst into flames. All 113 occupants evacuated safely. The aircraft was destroyed by the post-crash fire.

Operational Circumstances

It was reported that the flight schedule involved reduced time scales and a short stopover at San Luis Airport. There was a delay in the departure relative to the scheduled time. The takeoff occurred at night, and the pilots faced difficulty appreciating visual references of the runway. Additionally, there was a reported lack of concern during the abort on the part of the pilots.

Probable cause

Aborted takeoff and subsequent overran and destruction of the aircraft following the failure of both tyres on the right main gear during takeoff. The following contributing factors were reported: - The flight schedule with reduced time scales and short 'stopover' failed to allow the necessary cooling of wheels and brakes, giving rise to the deflation and subsequent destruction of the tyre n°4 and the explosion and destruction of the tyre n°3, - Limited braking action on the landing gear assembly, - Partial knowledge and ignorance of the times and procedures for cooling the wheels by the pilots, - Delay in the departure of the flight, with respect to the scheduled time, - Difficulty in appreciating at San Luis Airport during a night takeoff, visual references of runway, - Lack of concern during the takeoff abort on part of the pilots.