Aircraft overrun and fire during aborted takeoff

3 fatalities • Beni, Bolivia • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft caught fire after overrunning the runway during an emergency aborted takeoff, resulting in three fatalities.

What happened

While performing the takeoff roll, the flight crew encountered an unforeseen complication that necessitated an immediate change in procedure. In response to the situation, the captain elected to terminate the takeoff attempt and applied heavy braking to stop the aircraft.

Despite these efforts, the airplane could not be halted within the available runway length. The aircraft subsequently exited the paved surface, causing the undercarriage to separate from the fuselage. Following the overrun, the aircraft became engulfed in flames. The incident resulted in three fatalities among the crew and left two other members of the crew with serious injuries.

Findings

  • The aircraft was unable to stop before the end of the runway following an aborted takeoff attempt.
  • The separation of the landing gear occurred during the excursion from the runway.

Probable cause

The aircraft failed to stop within the remaining runway distance during an emergency braking maneuver.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1978-05-23 Douglas C-118 Liftmaster accident near Beni, Bolivia?

An aircraft caught fire after overrunning the runway during an emergency aborted takeoff, resulting in three fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1978-05-23 Douglas C-118 Liftmaster accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1978-05-23 involved a Douglas C-118 Liftmaster, registration CP-1338, operated by Transportes Aéreos Bolivar - TAB, at Beni, Bolivia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft failed to stop within the remaining runway distance during an emergency braking maneuver.

Loading the flight search…