Accident Details
On November 13, 2020, a Boeing B727-100 cargo aircraft operating as Flight TAK 270 touched down on Runway 28 at Kigali International Airport approximately 420 meters beyond the designated touchdown zone and significantly left of the centerline. The aircraft landed in light to moderate rain. During the landing roll, the left main landing gear crossed the runway edge markings and traveled 577 meters across the unpaved terrain adjacent to the runway shoulder before the crew managed to steer the aircraft back onto the paved surface. The excursion resulted in damage to all six tires, the tailskid mechanism, and the No. 2 engine oil servicing panel, and shattered fifteen runway edge lights. No injuries were reported among the five-person crew or on the ground.
Regulatory Irregularities
The investigation determined that the flight was operated unlawfully because the pilots' licenses, issued by Tajikistan based on credentials from the Democratic Republic of Congo, were invalid. Significant discrepancies also existed regarding the aircraft's Air Operator Certificate, its registration marks (displaying both Tajik and Kenyan identifiers), and the legal status of the operator.
Contributing Factors
Viscous hydroplaning, caused by a combination of wet runway conditions and a substantial accumulation of rubber deposits in the touchdown zone, contributed to the loss of directional control. The crew reported losing visibility and control due to sudden heavy rain and crosswind upon touchdown, despite adequate visibility during the final approach.