Incident
After landing on runway 20 at Mitú-Fabio Alberto León Bentley Airport, which has a length of 1,760 meters, the aircraft encountered difficulties and was unable to stop within the remaining distance. It overran at a speed of 52 knots, passed through a fence, lost its undercarriage, and came to rest in a prairie approximately 163 meters further. All 41 occupants were uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Aircraft
The aircraft involved held two registrations: FAC-1173 (military) and HK-4536 (civil).
Investigation
The official investigation determined that the probable cause was a wrong approach configuration on the part of the crew. The landing procedure on runway 20 was executed despite the aircraft being unstable on approach. At the runway threshold, the aircraft's altitude was too high and its speed upon touchdown was excessive (132 knots). The airplane touched down 562 meters past the runway threshold, well beyond the touchdown zone. All brake systems were activated; however, the upper right thrust reverser deployed and then retracted shortly later due to technical reasons, which was considered a contributory factor.
The following factors also contributed to the mishap:
- Poor techniques used by the pilot-in-command on approach and after touchdown
- Deviation from standard operating procedures (SOP)
- Non-adherence to published procedures
- No reaction or corrective action to the EGPWS alarm