What happened
After completing a standard landing at Trinidad-Bogotá (Trinidad-Jorge Heinrich Arauz Airport), the flight crew initiated a 180-degree turn and began a backtrack procedure to reach the apron. During the use of engine reverse thrust, significant amounts of dust were kicked up, which obscured the crew's vision.
While navigating the runway, the aircraft drifted off the paved surface to the right. The right wing subsequently collided with two tractors that were parked near the runway edge. This impact punctured the fuel tanks, leading to an immediate fire.
Upon realizing the situation, the crew brought the aircraft to a halt. All 33 occupants successfully evacuated the plane before the flames spread. While there were no injuries reported, the aircraft was destroyed by the resulting fire.
Findings
- Reduced visibility caused by dust kicked up during reverse thrust operations.
- The aircraft veered off the runway path and struck stationary objects.