Runway excursion at Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport

No fatalities • Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera, Colombia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft veered off the runway and sustained heavy damage after the crew attempted to correct a directional deviation during landing at Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport.

What happened

During the landing phase at Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport, the aircraft experienced a loss of directional control immediately following touchdown. As the plane began to drift toward the left side of the runway, the crew suspected that an imbalance in engine thrust was causing the deviation. In an effort to stabilize the aircraft, the captain elected to shut down the reverse thrust systems.

This action coincided with the aircraft departing the runway surface. During the excursion, the plane struck runway lighting installations, which resulted in the separation of the nose landing gear. The aircraft eventually came to a halt off the paved surface. The incident resulted in no fatalities or injuries among the three crew members on board, though the aircraft was determined to be a total loss due to the extent of the damage.

Findings

  • The aircraft deviated from the runway centerline following touchdown.
  • The crew's decision to deactivate reverse thrust occurred as the plane veered off the runway.

Probable cause

The loss of directional control was exacerbated by the crew's decision to disable reverse thrust during a suspected asymmetrical thrust event.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-10-15 Douglas DC-8 accident near Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera, Colombia?

An aircraft veered off the runway and sustained heavy damage after the crew attempted to correct a directional deviation during landing at Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 1992-10-15 Douglas DC-8 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-10-15 involved a Douglas DC-8, registration HK-3753X, operated by LAC Colombia - Lineas Aéreas del Caribe, at Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of directional control was exacerbated by the crew's decision to disable reverse thrust during a suspected asymmetrical thrust event.

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