Aircraft strikes livestock during landing at Santo Domingo International Airport

Casualties unknown • AEROPUERTO INTERNACIONAL DE SANTO DOMINGO, VE

A McDonnell Douglas MD-82 operated by Aserca Airlines struck five cows on the runway while landing in Táchira, Venezuela.

What happened

On March 6, 2012, at 01:08 UTC, a McDonnell Douglas MD-82, registration YV348T, was performing a commercial flight from Maiquetía's Simón Bolívar International Airport to Santo Domingo International Airport in Táchira. The aircraft was carrying 125 passengers and 6 crew members.

During the landing phase at Santo Domingo International Airport, the aircraft encountered five cows that had entered the runway area near the threshold of runway 30. To avoid further impact, the pilot performed an emergency braking maneuver, bringing the aircraft to a stop approximately 1,200 meters from the threshold. The collision resulted in minor damage to the aircraft's airframe, while the engines remained undamaged. There were no injuries reported among the passengers or crew.

Probable cause

The presence of livestock on the active runway during the landing phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-03-06 MD-82 accident near AEROPUERTO INTERNACIONAL DE SANTO DOMINGO, VE?

A McDonnell Douglas MD-82 operated by Aserca Airlines struck five cows on the runway while landing in Táchira, Venezuela.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-03-06 involved a MD-82, registration YV348T, operated by ASERCA AIRLINES C.A, at AEROPUERTO INTERNACIONAL DE SANTO DOMINGO, VE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The presence of livestock on the active runway during the landing phase.

Investigation report by the Venezuelan Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Board (JIAAC Venezuela). Original record: https://www.mppt.gob.ve/download/120932/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Junta de Investigacion de Accidentes de Aviacion Civil (JIAAC), Venezuela - MppT.

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