Runway excursion and post-crash fire at Mexico City-Benito Juárez Airport

No fatalities • Mexico City-Benito Juarez, Mexico • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced a failed rotation during takeoff at Mexico City, leading to a runway excursion and subsequent fire. All occupants escaped the incident without injuries.

What happened

While performing a takeoff roll at Mexico City-Benito Juárez Airport, the aircraft reached rotation speed but failed to lift off as intended. The pilot-in-command attempted to initiate the rotation, but the plane did not respond to the input. After a brief period of waiting, the crew made a second attempt to rotate the aircraft, which also proved unsuccessful.

In response to the failed takeoff, the captain elected to abort the procedure. To assist with the high-speed stop, the crew engaged emergency braking measures, including the deployment of the tail parachute. As the aircraft approached the runway's end, the pilot executed a left turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft veered off the paved surface, resulting in the loss of its undercarriage. The aircraft traveled approximately 150 metres beyond the runway before catching fire.

Despite the intensity of the flames, all seven occupants managed to exit the aircraft without sustaining any injuries. The aircraft itself sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

  • The aircraft failed to respond to rotation commands during the takeoff roll.

Probable cause

The aircraft failed to rotate at the calculated speed, leading to an aborted takeoff and subsequent runway excursion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-11-20 Learjet 24 accident near Mexico City-Benito Juarez, Mexico?

An aircraft experienced a failed rotation during takeoff at Mexico City, leading to a runway excursion and subsequent fire. All occupants escaped the incident without injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1998-11-20 Learjet 24 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-11-20 involved a Learjet 24, registration MTX-02, operated by Mexican Navy - Armada de México, at Mexico City-Benito Juarez, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft failed to rotate at the calculated speed, leading to an aborted takeoff and subsequent runway excursion.

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