What happened
During the landing phase on runway 15 at Meliliia Airport, the pilot-in-command experienced significant mechanical difficulties. Upon touchdown, the crew found that the ground idle and reverse thrust functions for both propellers could not be engaged. Simultaneously, the aircraft failed to respond to standard braking procedures.
As the pilots attempted to apply the brakes, the aircraft began to drift left of the runway centerline. During this excursion, the third tire suffered a burst, which further destabilized the path of the aircraft. The deviation continued until the aircraft departed the paved runway surface. The aircraft subsequently descended through an embankment approximately 15 meters deep located at the runway's edge.
While the aircraft was destroyed in the accident, there was no fire reported at the scene. The pilot-in-command and nine other occupants sustained minor injuries during the event.
Findings
- The crew was unable to utilize reverse thrust or standard braking effectiveness.
- A tire burst contributed to the continued deviation from the runway axis.