Runway excursion involving four-engine aircraft at Casablanca-Anfa Airport

No fatalities • Casablanca-Anfa (Cazes), Morocco • Landing (descent or approach)

A scheduled international flight diverted to Casablanca after poor weather prevented landing in Rabat, resulting in a runway overrun and aircraft destruction.

What happened

A scheduled international flight, traveling from Conakry Airport toward Moscow via stops in Rabat and Prague, was forced to divert due to adverse weather. While approaching Rabat, air traffic control notified the crew that landing was impossible because of low visibility, subsequently directing the four-engine aircraft to Casablanca-Anfa Airport.

During the arrival at the diversion airport, the pilot began an approach to runway 21. Because the crew was unfamiliar with the layout of Casablanca-Anfa, the descent was initiated at an inadequate altitude. The pilot observed a building obstructing the flight path and responded by increasing engine power to climb. This maneuver caused the aircraft to overshoot the glide slope; however, the crew continued the approach rather than performing a go-around.

As a result of the improper approach, the aircraft touched down significantly further down the runway than intended. The pilot was unable to decelerate sufficiently within the remaining pavement, leading the plane to overrun the runway. During the excursion, the aircraft lost its undercarriage and came to a stop 300 meters beyond the runway end. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft. All 102 occupants were successfully evacuated, though 10 injuries were reported. The incident necessitated a three-day closure of the airport for wreckage removal.

Findings

The investigation concluded that the crew failed to follow proper landing procedures. Specifically, the crew did not execute a go-around maneuver despite the approach being non-compliant and the aircraft having passed the glide slope.

Probable cause

The crew failed to perform a go-around after an improper approach configuration and altitude deviation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1967-07-09 Ilyushin II-18 accident near Casablanca-Anfa (Cazes), Morocco?

A scheduled international flight diverted to Casablanca after poor weather prevented landing in Rabat, resulting in a runway overrun and aircraft destruction.

Were there any fatalities in the 1967-07-09 Ilyushin II-18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1967-07-09 involved a Ilyushin II-18, registration 3X-GAB, operated by Air Guinée, at Casablanca-Anfa (Cazes), Morocco.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to perform a go-around after an improper approach configuration and altitude deviation.

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