Cargo aircraft overrun at Panama City-Tocumen Airport

No fatalities • Panama City-Tocumen, Panama • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo flight operating from Miami experienced a runway excursion during landing at Tocumen International Airport due to heavy rain and braking difficulties.

What happened

A cargo operation originating from Miami International Airport was conducting a routine flight to Panama City-Tocumen Airport. During the approach, the aircraft encountered rainy weather conditions. Upon landing on the wet runway surface, the crew experienced significant challenges with deceleration. The aircraft failed to come to a halt within the available runway length, resulting in a runway overrun.

As the excursion continued, the aircraft sustained damage to its undercarriage. The plane eventually came to a stop several dozen meters beyond the runway end. There were no fatalities among the four crew members on board, all of whom evacuated the aircraft without injury. However, the aircraft was determined to be a total loss due to the extent of the structural damage.

Findings

The primary factor in the accident was the inability to decelerate effectively on a wet runway during the landing phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft failed to stop within the runway limits due to insufficient braking performance on a rain-slicked surface.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1980-03-29 Convair 880 accident near Panama City-Tocumen, Panama?

A cargo flight operating from Miami experienced a runway excursion during landing at Tocumen International Airport due to heavy rain and braking difficulties.

Were there any fatalities in the 1980-03-29 Convair 880 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1980-03-29 involved a Convair 880, registration HP-821, operated by Inair Panama - Internacional de Aviación, at Panama City-Tocumen, Panama.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft failed to stop within the runway limits due to insufficient braking performance on a rain-slicked surface.

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