Aircraft overrun during landing at San Andrés Island

No fatalities • Bogotá-El Dorado, Colombia • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo flight transporting explosives experienced a tire failure during takeoff, leading to an aircraft overrun and runway excursion upon landing.

What happened

While performing a cargo mission from Bogotá to San Andrés Island, an aircraft carrying three crew members and six passengers experienced a mechanical failure during its takeoff roll. The flight, which was transporting 70 boxes of dynamite for the Ministry of Defense, suffered a tire burst after reaching V1 speed. Despite the failure, the captain successfully completed the rotation and continued the flight.

During the initial climb phase, the pilot notified Air Traffic Control regarding the damaged tire. To manage fuel levels, the aircraft remained in a holding pattern for approximately two hours. During the subsequent landing attempt, the aircraft followed an unstable approach and touched down too far down the runway. Realizing the remaining runway length was insufficient to stop, the pilot retracted the landing gear. This action caused the aircraft to slide on its belly, eventually overrunning the runway, breaching a fence, and coming to a stop in a ravine 100 meters away. Although the aircraft was a total loss, all nine occupants escaped without injury, and the cargo remained stable.

Findings

  • A tire failure occurred during the takeoff roll after reaching V1.
  • The landing was characterized by an unstable approach and an excessive touchdown point.
  • The decision to retract the undercarriage contributed to the aircraft sliding on its belly during the overrun.

Probable cause

The aircraft overran the runway following an unstable approach and an excessive touchdown point, exacerbated by the decision to retract the landing gear during the braking phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-03-15 Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle accident near Bogotá-El Dorado, Colombia?

A cargo flight transporting explosives experienced a tire failure during takeoff, leading to an aircraft overrun and runway excursion upon landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 1994-03-15 Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-03-15 involved a Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle, registration HK-3855, operated by SEC Colombia - Servicio Especializado de Carga Aérea, at Bogotá-El Dorado, Colombia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft overran the runway following an unstable approach and an excessive touchdown point, exacerbated by the decision to retract the landing gear during the braking phase.

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