Aircraft overrun at Khartoum-Haj Yussuf Airport following hydraulic issues

No fatalities • Khartoum, Sudan • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a runway excursion at Khartoum-Haj Yussuf Airport after returning for an emergency landing due to reported hydraulic difficulties.

What happened

During the initial climb phase following departure from Khartoum-Haj Yussel Airport, the captain notified air traffic control of issues regarding the aircraft's hydraulic systems. In response to this emergency, the flight crew was authorized to perform an immediate return to the airfield.

Upon landing, the aircraft experienced multiple tire failures. The crew mistakenly interpreted these bursts as a malfunction within the engines, which led the pilot to deactivate the thrust reverser systems. Due to the loss of deceleration capability, the aircraft could not stop before the end of the runway. The vessel subsequently overran the paved surface and struck various pieces of construction machinery near a telecommunication relay station.

Findings

  • The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
  • All 100 occupants were able to evacuate the plane without injury.
  • The deactivation of thrust reversers due to a misunderstanding of the tire failures prevented the aircraft from stopping within the available runway length.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to disable thrust reversers, based on the mistaken belief that an engine malfunction had occurred during tire bursts, led to the runway overrun.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-07-19 Boeing 737-200 accident near Khartoum, Sudan?

An aircraft experienced a runway excursion at Khartoum-Haj Yussuf Airport after returning for an emergency landing due to reported hydraulic difficulties.

Were there any fatalities in the 1998-07-19 Boeing 737-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-07-19 involved a Boeing 737-200, registration ST-AFL, operated by Sudan Airways, at Khartoum, Sudan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to disable thrust reversers, based on the mistaken belief that an engine malfunction had occurred during tire bursts, led to the runway overrun.

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