What happened
A scheduled international flight traveling from Banjul, Gambia, toward Lagos, with planned stops in Freetown, Monrovia, and Accra, experienced a runway excursion during its arrival at Monrovia-James Spriggs Payne Airport. The approach to runway 23 was conducted during a period of heavy rainfall and poor visibility. While the captain reported seeing the runway threshold approximately 4 km from the approach point, the aircraft maintained an excessive speed during the final phase of flight.
The aircraft type passed over the runway threshold at an altitude of 150 feet but touched down approximately 3,000 feet beyond the threshold. Due to the wet runway conditions, the aircraft was unable to decelerate despite the application of full braking and the deployment of reverse thrust. The plane overran the end of the runway at 80 knots, traveling an additional 120 meters before catching fire. Although the aircraft was destroyed by the flames, all 85 occupants were successfully rescued, with only a few sustaining minor injuries.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in heavy rain and poor weather conditions.
- The landing was performed at an excessive speed.
- The touchdown point was significantly past the runway threshold.
- The high approach speed and wet runway surface prevented the aircraft from stopping within the available runway length.