What happened
On November 18, 1972, a Balair Douglas DC-8-63, registration HB-IDZ, was preparing for a non-scheduled international flight from Geneva-Cointrin Airport to Las Palmas. The aircraft, carrying 236 passengers and 12 crew members, was cleared for takeoff on runway 05. As the aircraft accelerated toward a speed of 120 knots near the third rapid exit taxiway, the pilot observed an unidentified object on the runway. The aircraft struck the object with its number 6 wheel (the front right wheel of the right main landing gear), causing an immediate tire burst.
Following the initial impact, the pilot aborted the takeoff. During the subsequent deceleration and taxiing, the remaining three tires on the right landing gear also burst. The resulting debris caused further damage to the aircraft. Despite the mechanical failures, the pilot successfully maintained the aircraft's centerline, brought it to a stop without excessive braking, and cleared the runway to a standby position near the threshold of runway 23. There were no injuries among the passengers or crew.
The investigation
Investigators determined that the object on the runway was a metal cover from a runway lighting fixture located at the third rapid exit taxiway. The cover, made of lightweight cast iron, weighed approximately 10.7 kg. The investigation revealed that the three Allen screws intended to secure the cover in its housing were missing. Furthermore, the threads within the fixture's base had been damaged and required re-tapping during repairs.
A runway inspection conducted by airport authorities at 08:30, shortly before the incident, had failed to detect any anomalies. The investigation also noted that the most recent aircraft to use the runway was an Air France Boeing 727-200.
Findings
Technical analysis concluded that the lighting cover had become detached from its housing prior to the takeoff of HB-IDZ. Due to the aerodynamic forces created by jet blast—specifically high pressure underneath and low pressure above the component—the cover was susceptible to being displaced by engine exhaust. The damage to the mounting threads suggested that insufficient tightening of the securing screws allowed the component to loosen and eventually be torn from its socket. It is believed the cover was likely dislodged by the jet blast of the preceding Air France flight.
Safety action
While the report focuses on the mechanical failure of the lighting fixture, the investigation highlighted the critical role of proper maintenance of runway lighting components to prevent foreign object debris (FOD) hazards.