Runway overrun and post-crash fire involving four-engine aircraft

14 fatalities • Athens-Ellinikon, Greece • Landing (descent or approach)

A four-engine airplane overran a wet runway during approach to runway 15L, resulting in a ravine descent and fatal post-crash fire.

What happened

During an approach to runway 15L, the four-engine aircraft experienced an unstable approach characterized by improper configuration. The aircraft touched down on a wet runway surface approximately 800 to 900 meters beyond the threshold while traveling at an excessive speed of 150 knots.

Due to the high speed and the distance already traveled, the crew was unable to halt the plane within the remaining runway length. The aircraft overran the runway at roughly 40 knots, breached a perimeter fence, and descended into a nearby ravine. A fire broke out following the impact, which ultimately destroyed the airframe. The accident resulted in 14 fatalities and 20 injuries, while 120 other occupants managed to escape without harm.

Findings

Investigations revealed that several factors contributed to the accident. The crew failed to utilize all available braking systems, specifically neglecting the use of wheel brakes despite being aware of the reduced braking coefficient caused by recent rainfall.

Key contributing elements included:

  • An unstable approach and incorrect aircraft configuration
  • Excessive touchdown speed of 150 knots
  • A touchdown point significantly down the runway
  • Failure to follow established braking procedures under known adverse weather conditions

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a series of crew errors, including an unstable approach, excessive landing speed, and failure to properly apply braking systems on a wet runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1979-10-07 Douglas DC-8 accident near Athens-Ellinikon, Greece?

A four-engine airplane overran a wet runway during approach to runway 15L, resulting in a ravine descent and fatal post-crash fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 1979-10-07 Douglas DC-8 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 14 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1979-10-07 involved a Douglas DC-8, registration HB-IDE, operated by Swissair, at Athens-Ellinikon, Greece.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a series of crew errors, including an unstable approach, excessive landing speed, and failure to properly apply braking systems on a wet runway.

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