Runway excursion at Seoul-Incheon Airport involving heavy aircraft

No fatalities • Seoul-Incheon, South Korea • Takeoff (climb)

A heavy aircraft experienced a tire failure during takeoff at Seoul-Incheon Airport, resulting in a runway overrun and significant damage to the aircraft.

What happened

During a takeoff roll from runway 33L at Seoul-Incheon Airport, the flight crew reached a speed of 182 knots after traveling 6,413 feet. At this point, an audible noise indicated that both the ninth and tenth tires on the central landing gear had failed. In response to the malfunction, the captain aborted the takeoff and applied emergency braking.

Despite the braking efforts, the 629,600 lbs aircraft could not stop within the remaining 4,635 feet of the runway. The aircraft subsequently overran the runway end and entered a grassy area. During the excursion, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft collided with several pieces of localizer antenna equipment. The plane eventually came to a stop 485 meters beyond the runway threshold. There were no injuries among the four crew members, though the aircraft was determined to be a total loss.

Findings

  • The primary factor leading to the excursion was the simultaneous failure of two tires on the central landing gear assembly.

Probable cause

The simultaneous failure of two tires on the central landing gear prevented the aircraft from stopping within the available runway distance during an aborted takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-06-06 McDonnell Douglas MD-11 accident near Seoul-Incheon, South Korea?

A heavy aircraft experienced a tire failure during takeoff at Seoul-Incheon Airport, resulting in a runway overrun and significant damage to the aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 2016-06-06 McDonnell Douglas MD-11 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-06-06 involved a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, registration N277UP, operated by United Parcel Service - UPS, at Seoul-Incheon, South Korea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The simultaneous failure of two tires on the central landing gear prevented the aircraft from stopping within the available runway distance during an aborted takeoff.

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