Runway overrun and post-crash fire involving aircraft on wet runway

No fatalities • Ponta Pelada AFB, Manaus, Brazil • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft overran the runway after an unstable approach, resulting in a post-crash fire and five injuries.

What happened

During the landing phase of the flight, the aircraft performed an approach that was incorrectly configured. The plane crossed the threshold of runway 26 at a distance of 848 meters beyond the intended touchdown point. Due to the excessive distance from the threshold and the condition of the runway surface, the pilot was unable to decelerate sufficiently before the end of the pavement.

As the aircraft exited the runway, it overran the surface, resulting in the separation of the undercarriage. The impact caused the aircraft to catch fire, coming to a halt several dozen meters past the runway edge. Despite the intensity of the flames, all 58 occupants successfully evacuated the cabin. There were five injuries reported following the incident, and the aircraft was declared a total loss due to damage sustained during the overrun.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the flight crew failed to maintain a stable approach. The descent continued while the aircraft remained too high on the glide path and was traveling at an excessive speed. This improper approach configuration led to the long touchdown on a runway surface that was wet and contaminated by heavy rainfall. Because the aircraft was unstable and improperly configured, the crew should have executed a go-around maneuver rather than attempting to land.

Probable cause

The flight crew continued an unstable descent with excessive speed and altitude, leading to a touchdown too far down the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1973-12-23 Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle accident near Ponta Pelada AFB, Manaus, Brazil?

An aircraft overran the runway after an unstable approach, resulting in a post-crash fire and five injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1973-12-23 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 1973-12-23 involved a Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle, registration PP-PDV, operated by Cruzeiro do Sul, at Ponta Pelada AFB, Manaus, Brazil.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight crew continued an unstable descent with excessive speed and altitude, leading to a touchdown too far down the runway.

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