What happened
During an arrival at Cúcuta-Camilo Daza Airport, a four-engine aircraft experienced a high-impact touchdown on runway 33. The force of the hard landing caused the main landing gear to penetrate the aircraft's fuel tanks. Following the impact, the plane traveled approximately several dozen yards along the runway surface. During this period, leaking fuel ignited, causing the airframe to be engulfed in flames.
Despite the intensity of the fire, all 54 occupants were able to evacuate the aircraft without injury. The structural damage and fire resulted in the aircraft being declared a total loss.
Findings
- The primary factor leading to the fire was the rupture of fuel tanks caused by the landing gear's impact during a heavy touchdown.