Boeing 737 Runway Excursion at Iquitos Airport

Casualties unknown • PE

A Peruvian Air Line Boeing 737 veered off the runway during a heavy rainstorm landing in Iquitos, resulting in significant aircraft damage.

What happened

On February 10, 2016, at 20:18 local time, a Boeing 737-3Q8, registration OB-2037-P, operated by Peruvian Air Line S.A.C., experienced a runway excursion while landing at Iquitos International Airport (SPQT). The flight, PVN 122, was arriving from Lima with 121 passengers and 7 crew members on board.

During the ILS approach to runway 06, the aircraft encountered heavy rain, convective activity, and variable winds from the north/east. While performing the flare at approximately 50 feet, the aircraft drifted to the left due to crosswind components. The aircraft touched down 358 meters from the threshold and 22.55 meters left of the runway centerline. Immediately after touchdown, the aircraft veered off the left side of the runway, traveling approximately 45 of meters through muddy and rocky terrain. During this excursion, the aircraft struck several runway lights and passed over an open maintenance pit.

Despite the excursion, the aircraft eventually re-entered the runway at the 950-meter mark and taxied to the apron. All 128 people on board were unharmed, though the aircraft sustained damage to the landing gear, engine intakes, and lower fuselage.

The investigation

The investigation conducted by the CIAA examined flight data recorder (FDR) information, meteorological reports, and airport infrastructure. The analysis focused on the crew's flight path, the impact of the weather, and the lack of runway centerline lighting. Investigators also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance status, noting that the right engine reverse thrust was inoperative under the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) at the time of the incident.

Findings

  • The primary cause was the loss of situational awareness by the flight crew during landing, as they failed to realize the aircraft had drifted laterally during the flare due to heavy rain, wind, and reduced visibility.
  • The presence of a thunderstorm over the airport increased the operational workload and destabilized the approach.
  • The crew failed to execute a go-around despite the deteriorating weather conditions.
  • The lack of runway centerline lighting at Iquitos Airport contributed to the crew losing visual reference to the runway axis.
  • The aircraft's excursion was exacerbated by the presence of an open electrical pit on the runway shoulder.

Probable cause

The crew's loss of situational awareness during the landing phase, caused by heavy rain and crosswinds, led to the aircraft drifting off the runway centerline. This was compounded by the absence of runway centerline lighting and the decision not to perform a go-around despite unstable conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-02-10 aircraft accident near PE?

A Peruvian Air Line Boeing 737 veered off the runway during a heavy rainstorm landing in Iquitos, resulting in significant aircraft damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-02-10 involved a aircraft, registration OB-2037-P, at PE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew's loss of situational awareness during the landing phase, caused by heavy rain and crosswinds, led to the aircraft drifting off the runway centerline. This was compounded by the absence of runway centerline lighting and the decision not to perform a go-around despite unstable conditions.

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