DC-10 Overruns Runway 19 at La Aurora International Airport

Casualties unknown • Departamento de Seguridad de Vuelo e Investigación de Accidentes, GT

A charter flight operating with a heavy landing weight overran the runway at Guatemala City, resulting in 18 fatalities and significant ground damage.

What happened

On December 21, 1999, at approximately 9:40 local time, a Douglas DC-10-30, registration F-GTDI, was performing a charter flight from Havana, Cuba, to Guatemala City. The aircraft, operated by AOM for Cubana de Aviación, was carrying 2 landing crew members and 296 passengers.

During the approach to Runway 19 at La Aurora International Airport, the aircraft landed on a wet runway. The landing weight was approximately 176 tonnes. Following touchdown, the aircraft failed to stop within the available runway distance, deviating to the right and exiting the pavement. The aircraft then plunged into a precipice located near the threshold of Runway 01. The impact resulted in 18 fatalities, including the entire flight crew (the captain, first officer, and flight engineer), and left 10 passengers with serious injuries and 47 with minor injuries. The accident also caused the destruction of eight nearby homes and damaged local electrical infrastructure.

The investigation

The investigation conducted by the DGAC/UIA examined the aircraft's performance parameters, including landing weight, flap configuration, and runway conditions. Investigators reviewed the flight crew's cockpit communications, which revealed that the crew was aware the runway was wet. The investigation also analyzed the aircraft's maintenance history, noting that the engines and airframe were within standard maintenance intervals. Furthermore, the investigation compared the actual landing weight against the operational flight plan, noting that the aircraft was carrying significantly more fuel than the minimum required for the mission, which increased the total landing weight.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was the excessive landing weight relative to the available runway distance and surface conditions.
  • The runway surface was wet at the time of the accident, significantly reducing braking effectiveness.
  • The aircraft's landing weight of approximately 176 tonnes was much higher than the minimum required weight of 160 tonnes, and this extra mass contributed to an increased stopping distance.
  • The aircraft utilized a 50-degree flap configuration and was operating in CWS (Control Wheel Steering) mode during the landing phase.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the aircraft's high landing weight combined with a wet runway surface, which prevented the crew from stopping the aircraft within the remaining runway length.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-12-21 aircraft accident near Departamento de Seguridad de Vuelo e Investigación de Accidentes, GT?

A charter flight operating with a heavy landing weight overran the runway at Guatemala City, resulting in 18 fatalities and significant ground damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-12-21 involved a aircraft, registration F-GTDI, at Departamento de Seguridad de Vuelo e Investigación de Accidentes, GT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the aircraft's high landing weight combined with a wet runway surface, which prevented the crew from stopping the aircraft within the remaining runway length.

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