What happened
On November 9, 2018, a Boeing B757-200, registration N524AT, was operating flight FJA256 from Timehri, Guyana, to Toronto, Canada. Shortly after departing at 06:10 hrs, the pilot notified Air Traffic Control of a loss of hydraulic fluid while cruising at 20,000 feet. The crew requested to maintain their current altitude and intended to return to the departure airport. Although no emergency was officially declared, airport emergency services were placed on standby.
The aircraft returned to the holding area and prepared for landing. While the approach and touchdown initially appeared standard, the aircraft slowed to 60 knots before veering right during the landing roll. The plane exited the runway and traveled approximately 1,400 feet past the end of the active strip, coming to a stop perpendicular to the runway. During the excursion, the nose of the aircraft overhung the airport perimeter fence, and the starboard undercarriage became stuck in loose sand used for an ongoing construction project. The evacuation of the 128 occupants resulted in 10 minor injuries and one fatality, involving an elderly passenger who passed away five days later.
Findings
Investigations revealed that a total failure of the hydraulic system occurred due to a leaking system and a failed pressure switch. This loss of pressure compromised the effectiveness of the main brakes, thrust reversers, and certain spoilers. The crew's decision to pump the brakes led to a further depletion of brake pressure, and they failed to utilize the available accumulator brake. Additionally, the aircraft was configured with flaps at 20 degrees rather than the required landing setting, resulting in an excessively high landing speed.
Technical and organizational issues were also identified as critical factors. Maintenance deficiencies allowed the hydraulic leak to persist, despite flight data recorder evidence showing a trend of hydraulic issues during previous flights. Furthermore, inadequate quality control within the airline's maintenance department and management interference in safety and maintenance protocols contributed to the unsafe condition. The presence of loose sand and soft mud in the overrun area also exacerbated the structural damage sustained by the aircraft.