Runway excursion during approach at Abidjan-Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport

No fatalities • Abidjan, Ivory Coast • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft performing a second approach in heavy rain veered off the runway at Abidjan, resulting in minor injuries to three passengers.

What happened

During a flight originating from Accra-Kotoka Airport, the flight crew began their descent toward Abidjan-Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport amidst challenging meteorological conditions. The area was experiencing heavy rainfall, which limited horizontal visibility to less than 2 km. During the initial approach, the captain elected to perform a go-around due to the weather.

Shortly after, the crew attempted a second approach to runway 21. Although the aircraft was established on the ILS, the descent profile remained above the glide slope. This resulted in the aircraft touching down 900 metres beyond the runway threshold. Upon contact with the wet runway surface, the aircraft began to skid and drifted toward the left side of the runway. As the aircraft moved onto soft ground, the landing gear collapsed. The aircraft eventually came to a stop 1,800 metres past the runway threshold.

All 104 occupants were successfully evacuated from the aircraft. Among the passengers, three individuals sustained minor injuries.

Findings

At the time of the incident, the weather was characterized by heavy rain and winds from 110 degrees, gusting up to 25 knots. The primary factor contributing to the excursion was the aircraft maintaining an approach path above the glide slope during the second attempt.

Probable cause

The aircraft landed significantly past the runway threshold because the crew failed to maintain the correct glide slope during the second approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-04-12 Douglas DC-9 accident near Abidjan, Ivory Coast?

An aircraft performing a second approach in heavy rain veered off the runway at Abidjan, resulting in minor injuries to three passengers.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-04-12 Douglas DC-9 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-04-12 involved a Douglas DC-9, registration 9G-ACM, operated by Ghana Airways, at Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft landed significantly past the runway threshold because the crew failed to maintain the correct glide slope during the second approach.

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