Boeing 727 takeoff performance incident at El Dorado International Airport

Casualties unknown • Bogotá, CO

A cargo flight operated by Aerosucre experienced an unstable takeoff at Bogotá's El Dorado Airport, rotating near the end of the runway and triggering a safety investigation.

What happened

On January 17, 2012, at 21:27 UTC, a Boeing 727-200, registration HK-4504, operated by Aerosucre, was performing a non-scheduled cargo flight from Bogotá (SKBO) to Leticia (SKLT). During the initial climb following takeoff from runway 13R at El Dorado International Airport, air traffic controllers observed the aircraft rotating approximately 40 to 50 meters from the end of the runway. The rotation was forceful enough to kick up grass and soil from the runway safety area.

The flight crew, consisting of a pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer, reported that the takeoff was conducted according to the parameters agreed upon during the briefing, noting a negative wind component. However, the pilot later acknowledged that the aircraft utilized nearly the entire length of the runway, maintaining speeds beyond the intended rotation speed.

The investigation

The GRIAA investigation examined radar tracks, air traffic control logs, and the operator's manual procedures. The investigation focused on the discrepancy between the crew's reported performance and the observed runway excursion into the safety zone. Investigators reviewed the aircraft's weight and balance, noting a zero fuel weight of 121,291 lbs and a takeoff weight within structural limits.

Analysis of the radar data confirmed that while the aircraft achieved a climb rate of approximately 1,100 feet per minute, the speeds used during the departure exceeded those published for the ROLUS 4A instrument departure procedure. The investigation also scrutinized the operator's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding noise abatement and improved climb performance (ICP) techniques.

Findings

  • The crew utilized takeoff speeds and climb profiles that deviated from the established ROLUS 4A instrument departure procedure.
  • The crew failed to properly calculate the required runway length in relation to the wind components and the increased rotation speed required for the takeoff configuration.
  • The aircraft's climb performance was insufficient to meet the established airport procedures, resulting in a prolonged turn arc.
  • The crew did not fully account for the impact of meteorological conditions on the aircraft's takeoff performance.
  • There were no mechanical failures, and all flight crew members held valid licenses and medical certificates.

Probable cause

The primary cause was the inability to achieve the expected performance during takeoff and initial climb, driven by the crew's failure to plan and analyze the required runway length relative to wind conditions and increased rotation speeds.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-01-17 727-200 accident near Bogotá, CO?

A cargo flight operated by Aerosucre experienced an unstable takeoff at Bogotá's El Dorado Airport, rotating near the end of the runway and triggering a safety investigation.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-01-17 involved a 727-200, registration HK4504, at Bogotá, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause was the inability to achieve the expected performance during takeoff and initial climb, driven by the crew's failure to plan and analyze the required runway length relative to wind conditions and increased rotation speeds.

Loading the flight search…